A child was hurried to the hospital this week after a section of his school’s ceiling collapsed on him. The incident occurred at George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California. Emergency services, including police, firefighters, and an ambulance, swiftly responded to the scene. Another child was also taken to the hospital due to injuries from the ceiling collapse, but both children were discharged on the same day.
The eight-year-old boy, James Harrah, was waiting to be picked up when part of the ceiling stucco from the school’s outdoor amphitheater suddenly caved in. He recounted the terrifying experience, mentioning that the roof fell on him as he was leaving school. James sustained injuries, with his arm in a sling and bruises.
According to James’s mother, Diana Harrah, the roof collapsed while her son was walking past the amphitheater. She described the sound of the pieces landing on him and how it knocked him down. The Harrah family expressed their fear and concern over the incident. James’s father, Shawn, rushed to the school upon hearing the news and comforted his son.
Following the accident, in-person classes at Hanford Elementary School District have been suspended until at least December 1. Remote learning will be implemented during this period. District officials commended the prompt response of school staff and emergency services and stated their anticipation of welcoming students back in December.
Despite the ordeal, James is eager to reunite with his friends once classes resume. He humorously remarked that his friends might be impressed because a roof fell on him.
