Girl dies after wall falls on her inside Scottish school

A schoolgirl has died in Scotland after a wall inside her school collapsed onto her.

The incident happened at Liberton High School in Edinburgh just before 10am.

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.”

He said: “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 at about 10am.

A service 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.”

Edinburgh Southern Scottish National Party member of the Scottish Parliament 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.

“Inquiries into the full circumstances of what happened will be under way, and Police Scotland and City of Edinburgh Council will determine exactly what took place.”

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive said: “HSE is aware and is liaising with Police Scotland.”

‘Deeply saddened’

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.

“City of Edinburgh Council has arranged for support to be available to the school’s pupils and teachers. At the same time, Police Scotland and the council will begin to investigate this tragedy. We remain in close contact with the council and stand ready to provide any help that may be needed.”

Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell tweeted: "Very distressed to hear of fatality at Liberton High in Edinburgh - thoughts with family and the whole school community."

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

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

Cllr 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.”

Press Association