15 pry school students hurt in panic after Betagi electrical fire, probe body formed
Betagi (Barguna) Correspondent
At least 15 students were injured in a stampede triggered by fire panic following an electrical short circuit at Betagi Model Government Primary School today, prompting authorities to declare a one-day school closure and form a three-member investigation committee.
The incident occurred around 9:30 am on Sunday when an electrical meter fault caused a short circuit, creating sudden panic among students and guardians. As students rushed down from the four-story school building, a stampede broke out on the stairwell. At least 15 pupils—including first-graders Nigar Suraiya and Sithi, and fifth-grader Humaira—sustained injuries in the commotion. Local residents and teachers rescued the injured and transported them to the Betagi Upazila Health Complex.
Among the injured, first-grade student Nigar Suraiya (6), daughter of Abu Bakar Siddique Montu from Ward No. 6 of Betagi Municipality, suffered severe head trauma and vomiting. Betagi Upazila Health Complex Residential Medical Officer (RMO) Dr. Saiful Islam confirmed that following initial stabilization, Suraiya was referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (SBMCH) in Barishal for advanced treatment. The remaining students were discharged after receiving first aid.
Following the incident, the Upazila Primary Education Office declared a day-long school closure to ensure student safety. Upazila Primary Education Officer Md. Nizam Uddin announced the formation of a three-member probe panel headed by Assistant Upazila Education Officer Md. Monirul Islam to investigate the origin of the malfunction. The committee has been ordered to submit its findings within 24 hours, while teachers have been instructed to remain on campus to monitor the situation.
An Assistant General Manager (AGM) at the Betagi Zonal Office of Palli Bidyut Samiti confirmed that the short circuit originated from a fault in the school's power supply line. Model Government Primary School teacher Jasmin Akter confirmed that the situation is currently under full administrative control.
