11 children hospitalised after ceiling collapses in south London school
15 November 2021, 12:41 | Updated: 15 November 2021, 16:48
Chair of Governors of Rosemead School gives update after ceiling collapse
Eleven children have been hospitalised after a ceiling collapsed at a school in south London.
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The ceiling of a classroom at Rosemead Preparatory School, in Dulwich, caved in on the second floor this morning.
It happened just before 9.30am, with 16 people treated at the scene.
London Ambulance Service initially said 12 children and one adult were taken to hospital, but Nick Crawford, chair of governors at the school, later clarified it was 11 children and two adults.
Mr Crawford also confirmed: "There were no life-threatening injuries or life-changing injuries and the majority have been discharged."
He added that "from initial examinations that there are no concerns regarding the rest of the building".
The private school had earlier said it is "working closely with the authorities" to understand what caused the ceiling to collapse in one of its Year 3 classrooms.
A statement read: "This morning in one of our Year 3 classrooms, a ceiling collapsed resulting in the attendance of the emergency services.
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"Some injuries were sustained and some of those involved have been taken to hospital, and we are working with our students and families to support them.
"We are working closely with the authorities to understand the cause of the incident and we will provide more information as soon as we can.
"Parents and families can be reassured that the school day is continuing as usual today for the rest of the school."
London Fire Brigade said three fire engines and 20 firefighters were sent to the scene in Thurlow Park Road.
It said all other children and staff were "safely evacuated from the building" and "accounted for".
Very concerned to hear of the collapse of a ceiling at Rosemead School this morning. My thoughts are with the children, staff and parents. I hope no-one is seriously injured. I’ve contacted the school to offer my support. My thanks to the emergency services who attended the scene https://t.co/tZFEKiTZIf
— Helen Hayes 💙🌹 (@helenhayes_) November 15, 2021
Helen Hayes, the Labour MP for the area, tweeted she was "very concerned" at the news and thanked the emergency services for their response.
Emergency services had left the scene by 2pm, with roads around the school reopening.
