9-year-old dies after collapsing in Delhi classroom, family questions lack of CPR
New Delhi: A nine-year-old Class 3 student died after suddenly collapsing in her classroom at Lovely Heritage School in East Delhi’s Mayur Vihar Phase 2. Her family has questioned the school’s emergency response and alleged that she did not receive timely first aid or CPR.
School authorities said staff immediately took the child to hospital. Police have sent her body for a post-mortem examination to establish the exact cause of death.
Collapse caught on CCTV
CCTV footage shows the girl entering her classroom after the games period. She briefly places a hand on her waist before collapsing. Her teacher rushes towards her and tries to place her on a chair. The child appears unconscious. The teacher then steps outside, returns within seconds and carries her out for medical help.
Other footage shows the girl walking upstairs with fellow students before the incident. Staff took her to a nearby hospital. She was later referred to Malik Hospital in Nirman Vihar, where doctors declared her dead.
Principal defends school response
Principal Bhawna Malik said doctors attributed the death to cardiac arrest. “It was very regretful. We take good care of the kids. This child suffered a cardiac arrest. She collapsed inside the classroom and was immediately rushed to the hospital. There the doctors said that it was a cardiac arrest,” Malik said.
She also said a nurse was present at the school and that the child suffered a bleeding injury to her chin. The principal’s account of cardiac arrest remains subject to confirmation through the post-mortem findings.
Family questions missing CPR
The girl’s relatives alleged that the school lacked adequate medical arrangements despite charging substantial fees. They questioned why staff did not administer CPR immediately after she collapsed. Asked about the absence of CPR, Malik said staff initially believed the child’s unconsciousness could be connected to her chin injury. She said they could not think of another reason for her condition at that moment.
The family’s allegations have raised questions about the school’s ability to respond to medical emergencies, including access to trained personnel and first-aid facilities. Police have begun an investigation. The post-mortem report is awaited, and the medical cause of the child’s death remains unconfirmed.