Roof Collapses During Class in Anaheim

This week's rainstorm brought more than just puddles of water, for a classroom in session yesterday it brought a pile of ruble and debris from above. On Monday December 15, 2008, the Orange County Register reported it was known that fourteen people were hospitalized after a roof collapsed over a classroom full of adults due to the rain, others may have later transported themselves to seek treatment. Apparently above one classroom a main drain had failed, resulting in a collection of water on the roof, thus triggering the roof to collapse over the classroom in Anaheim around 9:00 am yesterday morning. Of those injured, two were teachers and 12 were students , were released by the hospital that afternoon after undergoing treatment for injuries.



A chaotic scene was reported by students who were immediately evacuated across the street at Ganahl Lumber. Students portrayed the roof collapse to have made a "loud, booming earthquake sound", while others described the sound as if it were thunder on top of the building. Some students ducked under their desks to take cover before they were evacuated. Students ran out yelling as they discovered the hallway had transformed into a water gushing river around three-to-six-inches deep in water. The Anaheim North Orange County Regional Occupational Program building quickly turned into a scene of panic as one student noted being trampled over by a few students before being helped up by another in the evacuation.



Ironic or just bad luck? Students in the classroom which experienced the full roof collapse recall their teacher joking that the heavy rain was so powerful she thought she was going to enter a flooded classroom, when moments later there was a creaking sounds and then the ceiling began to buckle and cave into the classroom.



It was estimated that around 70 firemen reported to to the scene along with police officers and paramedics. Classes have been canceled through winter break. Counseling is being offered to students and teachers on Thursday and Friday.



Last year in August 2007, according to the city of Anaheim's web site, a building permit had been taken out for a new roof. In September 2007, the final inspection was concluded.



Those who were injured may consider consulting a lawyer for personal injury to due a premises liability claim in this accident. If you or someone you know has been injured due to this accident or a similar type of accident please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Lederer & Nojima, LLP. No matter what type of potential premises liability claim you have, the attorneys of Lederer & Nojima, LLP can effectively represent you. We are experienced premises liability attorneys who have won many tough cases on behalf of people who have been injured as a result of dangerous or unsafe conditions on other's properties. We are often able to successfully resolve cases that other lawyers have refused to take. Even if you are not certain that you have a claim, contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and case evaluation. You may call our office at (310) 312-1860 or email us at lederernojimalaw@gmail.com.