A major mishap was narrowly avoided at Radha Krishna High School in Bicholim on Tuesday morning when a large Cluster fig tree (Ficus racemosa) collapsed onto the school’s store room. The incident, likely triggered by heavy rains and gusty winds sweeping the region, occurred during the early hours when the area was fortunately unoccupied.
While no injuries were reported among staff or students, the falling tree caused substantial damage to the store room. Sections of the roof and walls suffered cracks and structural weakening. A four-wheeler parked nearby, reportedly owned by a staff member, also bore the brunt of the impact, with its roof and windshield severely damaged. The owner was not present at the time.
Upon being alerted, the local fire brigade responded swiftly. Firefighters arrived within minutes and began clearing the massive tree and debris, preventing further damage and ensuring the adjoining road remained accessible. Their prompt action helped minimise disruption to both school operations and local traffic.
Relieved by the absence of casualties, school authorities have urged the local administration to conduct a thorough inspection of old and potentially hazardous trees around the campus. In response, the Bicholim municipal council has assured full support for repairs and safety assessments.
The incident has highlighted the critical need for regular tree maintenance, especially during the monsoon season, to safeguard public spaces. The school is expected to resume normal activities once the damaged areas are secured and restoration is completed.