A child was swiftly taken to the hospital this week after a section of the school’s ceiling collapsed on him. The incident occurred at George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California. Emergency responders, including police, firefighters, and an ambulance, arrived promptly on the scene when the ceiling suddenly fell on the young boy while he was waiting to be picked up.
The boy, identified as James Harrah, 8, suffered injuries from the incident, including a concussion and a broken bone. Despite the frightening ordeal, both children involved in the incident were released from the hospital on the same day. James described the terrifying moment, recalling how the roof fell on him as he was leaving the school.
His mother, Diana Harrah, explained that the roof collapse happened as James was walking by the amphitheater. She recounted the sound of pieces landing on him and expressed her fear and concern upon learning about the incident. The Harrah family was deeply shaken by the event, with James’s father, Shawn, rushing to the school to check on his son.
In response to the incident, Hanford Elementary School District officials decided to suspend in-person classes until at least December 1. Students will continue their education through remote learning during this period. The district expressed gratitude for the quick response of school staff and local emergency services.
Looking ahead, district officials anticipate welcoming students back to campus at the beginning of December. Meanwhile, James is eager to reunite with his friends once classes resume in person, joking that they might be impressed because a roof fell on him.