The Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California, became the site of a frightening incident when a section of ceiling collapsed on a young boy during school pick-up. 8-year-old James Hurrah was waiting to be picked up by his dad when a partial roof collapse occurred, injuring him and another student. The incident occurred on Monday, Nov. 10, with both children being released from the hospital shortly after.
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The ceiling stucco in the outdoor amphitheater suddenly fell, striking the children without warning. James Harrah recounted the scary moment, saying, “All I remember is when I was going out from school, the roof fell on me.” His parents, Diana and Shawn Harrah, expressed shock and concern over the incident. James sustained injuries including a concussion, a broken clavicle bone, and a black eye as a result of the collapse.
School staff and first responders acted swiftly to assist the injured children. Both James and the other student were taken to the hospital for evaluation and were fortunately released later the same evening. The school district has since closed the campus for repairs, with students transitioning to remote learning until December 1. The safety of students and staff is a top priority for the Hanford Elementary School District, as stated by superintendent Joy Gabler.
Despite the traumatic experience, James is hopeful and looking forward to reuniting with his friends once he has fully recovered. His father, Shawn, recounted arriving at the school to find his son injured but was grateful to be able to provide immediate support. James’ mother, Diana, shared her initial fear upon hearing about the incident but expressed gratitude that certain factors, such as his backpack, may have mitigated the severity of his injuries.
The community and school district are rallying around the affected families, ensuring that necessary inspections are carried out to prevent any such incidents in the future. The school is set to reopen at the beginning of December, with safety measures being a top priority for the returning students. Both the Hanford Elementary School District and the Harrah family are yet to provide further comments on the incident.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in educational institutions. The response and support shown by school staff, first responders, and the community highlight the unity and care present in times of crisis. As James continues his recovery, his story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of support in the face of adversity.