A teacher was left injured when a ceiling collapsed during the storm around midday on Sunday (23/11), while autistic learners experienced meltdowns due to the traumatic event. Fortunately, no learners were injured, said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.

The school and hostel, which cater to 384 learners with severe intellectual disabilities, including 44 autistic learners, suffered significant damage.

The Boitumelong Special School in Thaba Nchu was severely damaged in a hailstorm. Photo supplied

Eight classrooms were damaged when roofs were blown off, leaving corrugated iron sheets scattered across the premises and neighbouring areas. A pipe burst in one of the classes, while four projectors and four screens were also damaged. The admin block sustained further damage, including to a transformer.

Those experiencing post-traumatic shock have been offered psychosocial support by the department, while learners were instructed to remain at home to allow for reorganisation.

Infrastructure support is being mobilised to mitigate further damage from ongoing rainfall, added Ndaba.

The department has appealed to residents to assist in revitalising the school. Those willing to help can contact Nthabiseng Nthuping on 083 264 3081.

The damage costs are yet to be determined as public works and infrastructure officials were expected to visit the school on Tuesday.

Four years ago, another Thaba Nchu school was struck by severe weather. In December 2021, a tornado ripped through the area east of Bloemfontein, tearing the roof off Albert Moroka Secondary.

The school had been used as one of 23 matric-marking centres in the Free State. Several teachers engaged in marking were injured during the incident. Reconstruction of the hall was completed in time for the March 2022 examinations.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cvs