Tree falls into school compound in Pathanamthitta during night

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A major accident was narrowly averted after a century-old banyan tree got uprooted and fell on the premises of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School at Koodal.

The incident occurred on Sunday night when the tree came crashing down amid heavy rain and strong winds, several hours before the reopening of the school.

The school authorities said the tree had been providing shade in the school compound for decades. During working days, the area beneath the tree is frequented by students, making the incident particularly alarming.

The school functions under the control of the Pathanamthitta district panchayat.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of school buildings in the district.

On Sunday afternoon, the roof of a school building at Thannithodu was damaged in strong wind and heavy rain.