Seven-year-old schoolgirl dies after school staircase collapses in Bihar’s Khagaria

A seven-year-old girl student was killed, and three others were injured after a dilapidated staircase collapsed at a government primary school in Bihar’s Khagaria district on Wedneay (September 30, 2026). The incident took place at Amni Panchayat in the Mansi Police Station area around 10 a.m. during school hours.

All four were rushed to the Khagaria Sadar Hospital, where the girl, identified as Ritika Kumari, a Class 1 student, was declared brought dead. The three injured children are undergoing treatment at Khagaria Sadar Hospital. The family members of the deceased blamed the school administration for the death.

After the incident, a large number of villagers gathered at the school premises, along with the family members of the other students who were injured. Several officials, including Sub-Divisional Officer Dhananjay Kumar, also went to the school to gather details about the entire incident.

Sharing the details of the incident, Mr. Kumar said, “Initial reports suggest that stair was in dilapidated condition, due to which the incident took place. We are looking into this matter to understand why school management did not take timely action when the staircase was weak. A proper investigation will be carried out into this incident. If required, legal action will also be taken along with departmental action.”

District Education Officer Amarendra Kumar Gond termed it a heart-wrenching tragedy. Mr. Gond explained that waterlogging in the school premises due to recent rains is likely to have weakened the structure.

Mansi Circle Officer Leelavati Kumari also went to the school, and rescue operations were promptly started with the help of the villagers and teachers. She asserted that instructions have been given to ensure proper medical care for the injured.

Villagers, on the other hand, blamed the school headmaster and demanded his arrest for the negligence, pointing out that for the last two years, the staircase was not in good condition.

“If the school headmaster was aware of it, why was the movement on the stairs not restricted or closed for the students? He should be arrested for the negligence and serious lapses,” said a villager.

Bihar Congress posted a message on social media platform X and criticised the state government over the incident. Congress party also shared the bite of Bihar Transport Department Minister Damodar Rawat, who was heard saying it was not his department and better to ask the question of Education Minister.

“In Bihar’s BJP government, the morality of the government and the governmental system - both continue to plummet. Look, in Khagaria, the roof of a dilapidated school collapses, killing one child and severely injuring three others. When a government minister is questioned, he shamelessly bares his teeth and says, ‘It’s not our department,’” the post said.

Another post was shared on X by Congress, pointing towards the incident and alleging that such incidents have become common under the BJP government.

“Somewhere a dilapidated school roof collapses, elsewhere a balcony falls on children. Innocent lives are lost... families weep and wail, but the eyes of the BJP government, drowned in corruption and commissions, feel no shame. The BJP is only splurging money on building its lavish offices, but they have no concern for schools or hospitals. Narendra Modi’s mantra is clear - ‘If India doesn’t study, India won’t progress,’” Congress said in the post.