TPS To Remove Concrete Pillars After Edison Student Crushed

Tulsa Public Schools says it will immediately remove other concrete columns in a courtyard at Edison High School, after one fell on a student, leaving her with critical injuries.  

The student, a senior on the pom squad, remains in intensive care with a broken pelvis and two broken legs.

Superintendent Deborah Gist said the district was conducting an investigation into what happened and working to ensure the area is safe.  

“We are going to take a very careful look at what went on,” Gist said early Thursday.

 “Our first priority is the health and safety of our students. We are staying in touch with how she is doing and then of course we are doing a full investigation into what happened. We’ll handle that accordingly.”

4/27/2016 Related Story: Edison Student Crushed By Concrete Pillar Suffers Broken Legs

Tulsa Public Schools says two students strung a hammock between two columns after just school Wednesday.  A family friend says the two girls were waiting to help other younger students get ready for a pom class.

TPS Spokesman Chris Payne said the falling concrete piece pushed the girl down into the soil, which was soft because of a heavy rain the night before. The path of a tornadic storm went near the school late Tuesday.

Payne said if rain hadn’t softened the ground and taken some of the impact, the accident could have been fatal. Gist said employees from the district were examining the site Thursday and keeping her updated on what they were doing to ensure student safety.