Student dies, another injured in Peru school demolition accident amid grade-for-work allegations

Tragedy struck the Petronila Perea de Ferrando educational institution in Iquitos, Peru, when an 18-year-old student, Taylor Yaicate Ricopa, died from severe injuries sustained during the collapse of a concrete structure. The accident happened on Monday, August 24, during demolition work on an old building within the school grounds.

Ricopa was rushed to the Regional Hospital of Loreto, where he succumbed to a serious neurological complication around 11:45 a.m. The incident has sparked outrage among parents, who are not only concerned about the structural failure but also about disturbing reports that students may have been involved in the demolition work.

Taylor's father publicly denounced that students were allegedly compelled to perform demolition tasks using tools in exchange for academic grades. This serious allegation is now under investigation by authorities. Other parents corroborated these claims, stating that students used sledgehammers to break down the concrete structure, reportedly under the direction of school officials and a teacher.

The collapse occurred during school hours, trapping students beneath the debris of what is believed to have been an old water tank. Rescue efforts involved parents, teachers, fellow students, and municipal rescue teams, eventually requiring heavy machinery to free the trapped individuals. Another 18-year-old student, Antony Gárate Ríos, suffered multiple contusions and is in stable condition.

Both the Provincial Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Corruption Crimes in Loreto and the Directorate Against Corruption (Dircocor) have initiated investigations into the incident, visiting the school premises to gather evidence.