Eighteen learners were treated for injuries after a classroom ceiling collapsed at Umthambeka Primary School in Thembisa, Ekurhuleni, yesterday morning.

According to Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona, 18 Grade Six learners, who were in the classroom at the time, sustained injuries and were rushed to local medical facilities.

Mabona says two learners are recovering at a local medical facility, while the others are recuperating at home.

“The cause of the incident is uncertain. As such, we have launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding the incident,” he says.

Mabona says information will be acquired from the school management team, school governing body (SGB) and the district.

A GDE psycho-social support team will conduct necessary counselling for those affected.

“We are concerned by the occurrence of this incident and find it unfortunate that our children were injured in such a manner at school. We would like to wish all affected learners a speedy recovery,” says Mabona.

The department called on SGB members to be vigilant of challenges faced by their schools and to report them to the department.