India, July 26 -- Just minutes before the roof collapse that killed seven children at a government school in Rajasthan's Jhalawar on Friday, students had reportedly warned teachers about visible cracks and the risk of a collapse. Instead of being taken seriously, they were scolded and sent back to class. Moments later, their worst fears came true - the roof gave way, killing seven and injuring over a dozen others.

According to an India Today report, the students alerted teachers at Jhalawar's primary school that something was amiss. However, the teachers who were having breakfast at the time did not pay attention to the students and told them to return to their classrooms.

"Pebbles were falling. When the students told the teachers, they...