A tragic incident occurred on October 2 at Hédi Ajlani primary school in Fériana, Kasserine governorate, resulting in the death of 10-year-old Ghassen, a fifth-grade student. According to initial reports, Ghassen fell during a scuffle between students, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with authorities and school administrators working to establish the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
The scuffle occurred during recess and class changes, around 3 pm, when several students rushed into a first-floor classroom to put away their bags. A commotion around the first bench allegedly led to Ghassen's fall, with witnesses describing a chaotic scene. School staff and authorities have confirmed the student's death, with Zied Tlili, secretary-general of the basic education union in Fériana, providing further details on the incident.
Contrary to initial reports suggesting a fight or altercation may have caused the incident, Tlili has denied any such claims, stating that a scuffle broke out as students jostled for space near the bench. He also dismissed rumors that Ghassen was attacked by the mother of another student, who was reportedly in the school's administrative office at the time of the incident.
An eyewitness, Mondher Jabli, an teacher at the school and neighbor of the victim, described the incident as a scuffle between Ghassen and a classmate over seating, which resulted in the student's head hitting the floor. Authorities have yet to determine the exact circumstances and medical cause of Ghassen's death, with further investigations and autopsy results pending.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and grief among students, parents, and educators in Fériana, with many calling for increased safety measures in schools. However, Tlili has denied reports of violence or vandalism around the school following the incident, assuring that the situation is under control.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident, they are working to establish a clear picture of what happened and identify any potential factors contributing to the student's death. The school administration and local education authorities have likely faced questions about safety protocols and supervision in classrooms.
The death of Ghassen has raised concerns about school safety and student well-being in Tunisia, highlighting the need for vigilance and preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future. Key stakeholders, including parents, educators, and policymakers, will likely need to engage in discussions about how to improve school environments and minimize risks to students.
Key points
- A 10-year-old Tunisian student died after falling during a classroom scuffle in Fériana, Tunisia.
- Authorities have denied reports of a fight or altercation, instead attributing the incident to a scuffle over seating.
- The incident has sparked widespread concern and grief, with calls for increased safety measures in schools.
