A child was hurried to the hospital this week after a section of the school’s ceiling collapsed on him. The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, at George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene when the ceiling stucco from the outdoor amphitheater fell, injuring two children. Fortunately, both kids were discharged on the same day.
The boy, James Harrah, 8, was waiting to be picked up when the ceiling collapse happened. Recalling the frightening experience, he mentioned, “All I remember is when I was going out from school, the roof fell on me.” Despite sustaining injuries, he is recovering with his arm in a sling and some bruising.
James’s mother, Diana Harrah, explained that the incident occurred as her son walked past the amphitheater. She described the sequence of events, stating, “It sounded like the one piece landed on top of his head and that knocked him over, and then another piece landed on top of him after he fell.” Diana expressed her initial fear and urgency to reach her son upon learning about the incident.
The Harrah family expressed their terror over the incident. James’s father, Shawn, shared his relief at being able to check on his son promptly. As the children recuperate, Hanford Elementary School District officials announced the suspension of in-person classes until at least December 1, with students engaging in remote learning during this period.
District authorities praised the fast response of school staff and emergency services and temporarily closed the campus, implementing an emergency learning plan. They expressed anticipation for students’ return to campus at the beginning of December.
Looking forward to reuniting with his friends, James expressed a sense of humor, saying, “I think they might be impressed because a roof fell on me.”
