Dhenkanal, Aug. 7 (UDN): Panic gripped Gondia High School in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district on Friday after six Class VIII students reportedly fell ill due to suspected suffocation inside a classroom during school hours.
According to reports, the students suddenly complained of breathing difficulty and discomfort while classes were underway. Teachers immediately rushed to their aid and shifted them to the Sriramchandrapur Community Health Centre for medical treatment.
Doctors attending to the students said all six are under observation. While four students are reported to be in stable condition, two are receiving additional medical care as a precaution after experiencing more severe symptoms.
Although the exact cause of the incident is yet to be officially established, preliminary findings suggest that overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the classroom may have contributed to the students’ breathing difficulties. Sources said the classroom was accommodating more students than its intended capacity, resulting in inadequate airflow.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over infrastructure in government schools. Parents alleged that a shortage of classrooms has forced students to study in congested conditions, increasing health and safety risks.
Following the incident, parents and local residents urged the district administration and the School and Mass Education Department to improve classroom infrastructure by constructing additional rooms and ensuring proper ventilation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and take appropriate measures to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
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