Close shave for 100 students during storm

JOHOR BARU -A group of 100 students narrowly escaped death after a massive storm struck their school in Skudai here, causing large window panes lining their school hall to crash and fall.

Traditional Chinese yoyo instructor Phang Hai Dong, 54, said the storm broke out suddenly and caused the whole building to shake.

"The downpour started at around 1pm and strong winds suddenly started blowing across the area," he said at the SJK(C) Pu Sze here yesterday.

Phang said he shouted to the students to stay clear of the windows and quickly ushered them to the stage area as it was sheltered.

"The winds suddenly picked up speed and caused the window panes on the left side of the hall to shatter and fall," he added.

Phang added that several students sustained minor injuries when they were caught in the rush to avoid the falling window panes.

Another teacher, Loo Jye Shuan, 46, who was finishing up some paperwork, said that the strong winds made the office area shake.

"I looked out my office window to find the air filled with debris," she added.

Loo said she later realised that the wind had blown away a huge part of the roof from one of the school blocks.

Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong, who was visiting the area, came to assess the damage.

"The roof above six classes was blown off, but the students will not be allowed to enter the block until we can ensure that it is safe," he said, adding that he had requested Education secretary-general Datuk Dr Rosli Mohamed to channel emergency repair funds for the school.