Tragedy struck on Monday, 15 January, when the mezzanine floor of Indonesia’s stock exchange building suddenly gave way.
The unexpected collapse left over 70 people injured, including visiting students. Reports say most of the injuries suffered were to the arms and legs.
The incident happened on the mezzanine of the second floor, an area many visitors and employees pass through daily.
The collapse caused large slabs of concrete to fall and water pipes to burst. One employee, Megha Kapoor, recalls being in the lobby when she heard a loud, cracking sound.
Indonesia’s stock exchange building was constructed in the late 1990s. It houses offices such as the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.
The floor that collapsed is one of the busiest areas in Indonesia’s stock exchange building
After the accident, many of those injured were rushed to the hospital, while others remained within the vicinity of the building while awaiting assistance.
Indonesia’s stock exchange director Tito Sulistio reassures Channel News Asia that there have been no reported deaths in the incident. They have also ruled out a bombing as the cause of the collapse.
A video of the shocking incident has been released online, reports Channel News Asia.
How to make sure your child stays safe on a field trip
Though the accident that injured many students could not have been avoided, there are ways mums and dads can make sure kids stay safe on field trips.
Not all schools require chaperones on school trips, so it helps to make sure your kid knows how to stay safe on his own.
Here are some safety tips to remember:
1. Always know your exits
When entering any establishment, look around and take note of the nearest exit to you.
2. Stick to your buddy and group
Though it can be fun to explore new places, kids should make sure not to stray too far from classmates and teachers.
3. Don’t accept anything from strangers
When adults approach them, children should make sure their teacher or chaperone is with them. They shouldn’t talk to strangers or accept anything from adults they do not know.
4. Know when to ask for help
Teach kids to trust their instincts. If they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any way, they should call out for help. The National crime prevention council recommends teaching kids the “No, Go, Yell, Tell” tactic.
If an unfamiliar adult approaches them, they should say “No,” Go or run away and Yell loudly. After this, they should Tell their teacher or chaperone about the incident.
Sources: Reuters, Channel News Asia, Livestrong, Teacher’s Digest
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