A recently inaugurated school in the rural area of São João Batista, Maranhão, suffered a significant structural failure on Thursday afternoon. The roof of the building in the Coroatá village collapsed following a period of intense wind activity, known locally as a vendaval.
Fortunately, the incident resulted in no injuries. The timing of the collapse was critical, as all students and staff had already left the school premises for the day. The building, which housed two classrooms for elementary education, had only been in use since January of this year.
An investigation into the construction has revealed a potential discrepancy in the building materials used. The original contract for the school's construction specified that the roof should be covered with ceramic tiles. However, reports indicate that fiber cement tiles were installed instead.
This substitution is significant. Ceramic tiles are generally known for providing better thermal and acoustic comfort and are considered more durable. They do, however, require a more reinforced supporting structure. Fiber cement tiles are lighter, more economical, and quicker to install, but may not offer the same level of resilience.
Financial records from the Transparency Portal show that the construction company responsible for the project received over R$290,000 from the local city hall. This payment covered the construction of this school and two other educational units in the area.
The collapse raises questions about construction oversight and adherence to contractual specifications. The use of different materials could have been a contributing factor to the roof's failure under the stress of the strong winds.
Local authorities and the construction firm will likely face scrutiny regarding the building's integrity and the decision to deviate from the agreed-upon plans. The safety of the students and staff is paramount, and this incident, while not causing physical harm, highlights the importance of strict compliance with construction standards.
Based on reporting from g1.