All children discharged from hospital after ceiling collapsed in West Dulwich school

All twelve children taken to hospital after a second floor ceiling collapsed at a school in West Dulwich have been discharged.

A number of children were injured in the cave-in at Rosemead Preparatory School in Thurlow Park Road on Monday, November 15.

Two adults and 12 children were taken to hospital.

The school confirmed that one child was kept overnight in hospital under observation, but by Wednesday, November 17, they had all been discharged.

Nick Crawford, the chair of the governors at Rosemead School, said: “We have all been deeply shocked by the incident and are now awaiting the outcome of the investigation into exactly what caused the ceiling to collapse. 

“While that process is underway, we are limited on what we are able to say, but we can confirm that all of the children involved have now been discharged from hospital and the majority are now back in school attending lessons. 

“We are continuing to offer them our full support.”

None of the injuries were life-threatening or life-changing and the school is working closely with authorities and specialists to find the cause of the cave-in.

Emergency services including the London Fire Brigade, the London Ambulance Service and the police were called to the school at around 9:20am.

They treated 16 people at the scene.

A woman, who did not want to be named, told the South London Press: “I spoke to a first responder who said it was the worst incident she had ever seen. 

“She told me it was dark and dusty and terrible in there trying to help out the children. She said she helped children out from underneath chairs and tables.”

The woman said that one of the teachers shouted to the children of one class to get under their desks, adding: “She must have heard something.

“She must have realised what was about to happen. She was seen afterwards covered in blood.”

Mr Crawford said: “This has been a worrying time for the children involved, their families and the wider school. 

“We understand from initial examinations that there are no concerns regarding the rest of the building, and we will work with the authorities in regards to any investigations to be undertaken. 

“We would like to sincerely thank staff, the emergency services and those who have sent messages of support from the wider community.”

Firefighters carried out a systematic search of the building and confirmed with the school that all children and staff were accounted for.

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that the building was not at risk from further collapse and had the situation under control by 11.50am.

Helen Hayes, the MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, said on Twitter: “Very concerned to hear of the collapse of a ceiling at Rosemead School this morning.

“My thoughts are with the children, staff and parents. I hope no-one is seriously injured.

“I’ve contacted the school to offer my support. My thanks to the emergency services who attended the scene.”