More than a dozen female students were injured at a government girls’ high school in Jehanian, Khanewal district, Punjab, after jumping from the second floor of the school building following a false earthquake alarm.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when loud sounds and strong vibrations from heavy machinery at a nearby construction site on Muhalqa Road caused panic among students. Teachers reported that the noise created a misunderstanding, leading students to believe an earthquake was occurring. The sudden chaos triggered a stampede, and several students jumped out of the building in an attempt to escape.
Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene and provided immediate assistance. The injured students were transported to the hospital for treatment. The injured include Mairaj Fatima (14), Nisha Naveed (10), Zulekha (13), Laiba Kulsum (14), Mahnoor Nazakat (13), Munsaa Shokat (12), Faiza Ramadan (13), and Anfal Tariq (13).
All the students sustained injuries as a result of jumping from the second floor. Hospital sources confirmed that the injured students are receiving medical care and are in stable condition.
Teachers and school staff urged authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. They called for better coordination with construction sites near educational institutions to minimize disruptions and panic among students.
The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols and awareness training in schools to handle emergency situations effectively. Proper drills and communication mechanisms can help mitigate panic and ensure the safety of students in similar circumstances.
Authorities are expected to investigate the matter further and implement measures to improve safety standards for schools located near construction zones.
