Termites blamed for school floor collapse

A termite infestation was blamed for the collapse of the floor of an old school building in Naga City in Camarines Sur province Thursday afternoon.

 

This was the initial assessment of Department of Education engineers who inspected on Friday the Gabaldon Building of the Sta. Cruz Elementary School, GMA Bicol reported.

 

Initial findings showed the floor could no longer support the weight of the students and parents at the time.

 

Many parents were in the building at the time to attend a Parent-Teachers' meeting. At least 11 people suffered minor injuries following Thursday's incident.

 

DepEd Engineer Julie Pato said the Gabaldon Building was last renovated in 2010, but was quickly infested by termites since it was made of wood.

 

The building is considered a heritage site and could not be demolished. It could be restored, however.

 

For now, principal Adelina Denido said the building would not be used. The building houses the school's library and computer laboratory. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News