Girl dies in school wall collapse weeks after school's fined for another accident

A pupil has died at a Scottish school after an internal wall collapsed on top of her.

The accident, which triggered a major emergency response, happened at Liberton High School in Edinburgh shortly before 10am.

The pupil, said by parents of other pupils to have been in S1, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police and health and safety officials have launched an inquiry.

It comes just weeks after Edinburgh City Council was fined for an incident at the same school after a girl was seriously injured as she fell down a broken-down lift’s shaft.

One local councillor described today’s incident as “tragic and troubling” and said serious questions need to be asked about why it happened.

It is understood the girl’s parents have been informed.

A number of other parents congregated at the school gates after news of the tragedy emerged and they began collecting their children from the premises from around 12.30pm. They said it has now been closed for the day.

Shailesh Shrestha was at the school to collect his son, who is in S2.

He said: “I was in a meeting when I heard what had happened and have come in to collect my son.

“We haven’t been told any more about it.

“It is concerning that this has happened. You just don’t expect this kind of thing to happen inside a school.”

A number of pupils were seen leaving the school, covering their faces with scarves and jackets. Several of them looked distressed. A policewoman was seen laying a floral tribute nearby.

The pupil’s name and age have not been formally revealed by officials at this stage.

A large emergency response, involving police, fire and ambulance crews, was prompted by the incident, which was reported to have happened in a PE changing room.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police in Edinburgh responded to Liberton High School after a wall within the building collapsed, injuring a female pupil at 10am.

“She was treated by ambulance staff on the scene, but was pronounced dead.

“Inquiries into the full circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing and we are working alongside our relevant partner agencies.”

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Tollcross, McDonald Road, Liberton and Newcraighall were sent to a “collapsed structure” at the school.

A spokeswoman said: “Firefighters assisted ambulance personnel to remove a female casualty from a collapsed structure but sadly she was pronounced dead at the scene. Thoughts are with the family at this difficult time.”

The Health and Safety Executive, which had a visible presence at the school today, said it was liaising with police, while Edinburgh City Council said senior education staff and health and safety officers were providing support to staff and pupils.

Community figures and politicians voiced their shock and sadness in the wake of the death.

Councillor Nick Cook, who represents the Liberton/Gilmerton ward, said: “It’s tragic and troubling news out of Liberton High School.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family.

“But serious questions need to be asked as to how this incident managed to come about.”

Edinburgh Southern SNP MSP Jim Eadie, whose constituency covers the school, said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic incident, and the thoughts of the entire community are with the family and friends of this young girl.”

Scotland’s Minister for Learning, Alasdair Allan said: “I’m deeply saddened by this terrible news and my thoughts are with the pupil’s family and friends.

“We remain in close contact with the council and stand ready to provide any help that may be needed.”

Labour MP for Edinburgh South, Ian Murray, and Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson both described the incident on Twitter as “dreadful news” and said their thoughts were with the family and all at the school.

The Church of Scotland’s associate minister at Liberton Kirk, Reverend Dave Rankin, is one of the chaplains at the school.

He said: “Members of the chaplaincy team at Liberton High School went to the school as soon as we became aware of this terrible accident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the girl who has died. Ministers and youth workers from a number of local churches were on hand to support both pupils and members of staff as they heard what had happened. The chaplaincy team will offer ongoing support and comfort to the school and the local community as the full impact of this tragedy is felt in the coming days and weeks.”

The school’s website describes it as a comprehensive school serving the south of Edinburgh. It has 65 staff and 650 pupils.

The latest incident is the second tragedy to hit the school in recent months.

Jamie Skinner, 13, a pupil at Liberton High School, died after collapsing on a football pitch in the city during a match in December. The teenager was playing for Tynecastle FC when he collapsed on the Saughton Astro pitch in Edinburgh at the end of last year.

Edinburgh City Council was fined £8,000 in February after a girl at the same school was seriously injured when she fell more than 16ft (5m) down a broken-down lift in December 8, 2011.

The schoolgirl, then aged 15, suffered three fractured vertebrae, bruising over her lower back and a sprained wrist as teachers tried to free her.