Blackburn schoolgirl dies after falling in icy conditions (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Blackburn schoolgirl dies after falling in icy conditions
4:30pm Saturday 16th January 2010 in News
POPULAR PUPIL: Naeemah Achha
AN 11-YEAR-OLD girl has died after falling on her way to school in icy conditions.
Naeemah Achha, described by teachers an “intelligent, kind and popular girl”, died in hospital yesterday after falling over in Victoria Street, yards away from St Michael with St John Primary School, Blackburn.
The youngster, who lived in London Road, suffered serious head injuries during the fall near the junction with Swallow Road on Thursday morning.
This morning hundreds of mourners gathered at Pleasington Cemetery for her funeral.
A major investigation is now underway into how she fell.
Police, who said they believed she had slipped on the ice, described the incident as “a tragic accident”.
Victoria Street had not been gritted because Blackburn with Darwen council has a policy of not covering side streets and pavements.
Yesterday the pavement was still in a slippery, icy condition.
The school governors have called in the council’s “critical incident support team” to investigate the incident.
One of the girl’s aunts said: “This is such a tragic thing to happen in the family.
"Obviously the parents are broken down. She was a lovely girl and would never say no to anyone.”
It is understood Naeemah had been dropped off at school but had been making her way to another entrance when she fell.
The school’s lollipop man, Saeed Patel, and another resident, Parvais Mohammed, are believed to have been first on the scene.
The community was said to be in shock yesterday, as neighbours gathered at the girl’s house to pay tribute.
Hussain Akthar, a former councillor whose grandson is in the same year at the school, said: “It is shocking and sad news and the whole community is upset. These are very hard times.”
Questions have been raised about the icy state of the roads and pavements amid a national shortage of grit.
Mr Akhtar added: “The council is doing its best, but it’s not enough.”
Headteacher Kay Cant said: “It is with great sadness that we received the news about the passing of one of our year six pupils, Naeemah Achha.
“Naeemah was an intelligent, kind and popular girl who showed maturity beyond her years. She was conscientious, reliable and hard working.
“Naeemah had a very good sense of humour, was always happy and had a smile that lit up the room. She will be sadly missed by everyone.
“It is at times like this when the school and its wider community draw together to support each other.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Naeemah’s family at this very sad time.”
Reverend Philip Knowles, the chair of governors, said: “The head, the deputy and I spoke to all staff and pupils today about the school’s tragic loss.
“Next week the pupils are going to support the family as far as possible by recalling happy memories about Naeemah and including these in a book.”
Yesterday afternoon Blackburn MP Jack Straw, alongside Mr Akhtar, visited the family.
He said: “It’s an absolute tragedy and everyone’s heart will go out to the family.”
Blackburn with Darwen council leader Michael Lee said: “This is a very shocking incident and our sympathies go to the family, community and the school during what must be an horrendous time for everybody.
"The council is giving its full support to the investigation taking place to establish exactly what happened."
Labour leader Kate Hollern said the council had “questions to answer” about gritting levels.
Det Insp Gill Johnson said police believed that the youngster slipped on ice.
She said: "At this stage it is being treated as a tragic accident but we are still trying to find out exactly what happened.
"Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time."
Comments(67)
workaholic
says...
2:57pm Fri 15 Jan 10
em..accy
says...
3:13pm Fri 15 Jan 10
The Fair Word
says...
3:41pm Fri 15 Jan 10
I don't think blame can be layed on anybody but the severe weather we have recently experienced. It's a shame that the days when local communities would pull together and clear all paths to schools etc have long gone. Many people were quick in complaining that it was the councils fault due to no grit etc, but did any of these people actually offer a helping hand ? We are all quite capable of obtaining a shovel or spade and helping out.
A truly sad tragedy.
happycyclist
says...
3:51pm Fri 15 Jan 10
The pavements have been absolutely treacherous since the slight thaw and rain turning the snow to ice, and I think right now, in Darwen at least, conditions are the worst underfoot that they've been so far this winter.
Take care, people.
And motorists, have a care for pedestrians walking on the road because the pavements are too dangerous -drivers have blasted their horns at me three times today just for walking in the gutter.
Davidoff
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4:08pm Fri 15 Jan 10
chrislancs
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4:11pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Pulse
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4:14pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Very sad news..the pavement have been very icy since the last few days.The school should have done something about gritting ,not just the pathway but the most of the school parimeter.
May Allha give sabar to the parents and the family.
gasboy99
says...
4:22pm Fri 15 Jan 10
the council and government should consider gritting pavements and roads, instead of spending tax payers money on illegal wars.
Stone Cold
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4:22pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Wikidi
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4:31pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Empathy for the sad loss
wajp138
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5:25pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Stupid schools fault, instructing the girl to use another entrance because she had arrived too early and the councils fault for not clearing pathways in the schools parameter for safe access for students and parents.
jack russell
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5:40pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Imrandpatel
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6:05pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Blame culture is awful, but I am angry because the girl was already inside the school premises where gritting had taken place and then by a member of staff she was told to walk round the school out side where gritting had not taken place, i understand school rules are important but sometimes the school and staff responsible should consider the icy conditions before they send young kids out on the footpath .. Just because they are late for school it does not mean it has to cost their life, i do not think the staff member responsible would had sent her daughter round to the second school entrance.. I AM SO ANGRY
bazil0210
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6:07pm Fri 15 Jan 10
ranimuk
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6:42pm Fri 15 Jan 10
NUMBER5
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7:07pm Fri 15 Jan 10
hasslem hasslem
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7:25pm Fri 15 Jan 10
.
please repost your condoalances.
.
a truly gruesome event. my heart is with you at this incredibly sad time.
enoch-powell
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7:46pm Fri 15 Jan 10
tillymilly
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7:53pm Fri 15 Jan 10
cricketmad
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8:06pm Fri 15 Jan 10
fullagrit
says...
8:18pm Fri 15 Jan 10
I feel so sad and empty.
Please accept my heartfelt sorrow to all the immediate family and the County of Lancashire, a very sad day
Postal tony
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8:29pm Fri 15 Jan 10
We should all shout out at their obvious continuing incompetence.
Frank Jr
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8:35pm Fri 15 Jan 10
For you in your loss.
And hoping, too,
That comfort and peace
May come to you
So sorry for you all x
Tosh67
says...
8:55pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Frank Jr wrote:here here frank jr, well put couldnt agree more
Extending deepest sympathy For you in your loss. And hoping, too, That comfort and peace May come to you So sorry for you all x
to the family x
Norman the Wangler
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9:12pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Sidz96
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9:29pm Fri 15 Jan 10
blackburner
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9:30pm Fri 15 Jan 10
swift-simba
says...
9:48pm Fri 15 Jan 10
burner wrote:I send my deepest sympathy to your family and hope that your Angel is at peace.
So sad. Now where are you all who said schools should not have closed? So sad.
I hope that happy memories of your treasured daughter will help you in this dark hour.
Take care and I hope that knowing that others are thinking of you and your family may in some small way give you some strength.
woodyads
says...
10:01pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Pulse wrote:Would you like the schools to grit right up to your garden paths while they're at it? How ridiculous to suggest that they should be responsible for the area around the school - this is clearly where the council comes in.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji un!
Very sad news..the pavement have been very icy since the last few days.The school should have done something about gritting ,not just the pathway but the most of the school parimeter.
May Allha give sabar to the parents and the family.
This is an absolute tragedy, my heart goes out to this little girls school friends who will now try to come to terms with the loss of their friend.
mys
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10:04pm Fri 15 Jan 10
paolowhite
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10:37pm Fri 15 Jan 10
m45ter
says...
11:09pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Naeemah was NOT late to school, in fact she was early! Naeemah along with her younger brother, Mother and Aunt got to school early. The School was opening at 10am to allow staff from further a field to arrive to work on time. Naeemah and her family reported to the main school office (as this was the only entrance that was open at this time) where they were told by a member of staff to go and wait at the normal arrival entrance where parents normally drop their children off.
However upon her walk to this entrance she and her brother both slipped and fell down. Her brother got up almost immediately, however unfortunately for Naeemah she fell head first with her forehead taking the impact. There was no way she could have got up. She laid stone cold for 45 minutes before the ambulance arrive at the scene. Family members and friends covered her with their coats to keep her warm during this lengthy wait. Staff members tried to resuscitate her, but to no avail.
There was too much internal bleeding, which had done its damage. The main argument of the Achha family is why on earth Naeemah was not allowed to enter via the initial entrance when the staff and school knew that the icy conditions on the pavement (en route to the main entrance) were not safe! And if they didn’t know, then why wasn’t a risk assessment carried out?
Schools, local authorities, OFSTED and child protection agencies all highlight the need to carry out extensive risk assessments when moving children from one building to another, one road to another. Just to ensure the safety and well being of the children. Yet the school and staff were ever so ignorant of the icy conditions of the surrounding school pavements which would have been used daily by parents and children alike that they told Naeemah and her brother, mother and aunt to walk to the other entrance because they simply arrived to school too early! The school clearly knew that the surrounding school pavements hadn't been gritted by the council, but still couldn’t open their doors to two eager, happy and bubbly children whose only fault was to arrive to school slightly early! I’m so glad to know that the heart of premise under which modern education is offered to children is "every child matters"! I must remind Naeemahs’ parents next time I see them!
All this fuss in the national media saying schools need to open up as the closure was costing the economy millions, yet no mention of the responsibility of the councils and the schools to ensure that the schools were safe and accommodating to pupils under these severe weather conditions. Yet Blackburn Council clearly admitted to gritting the roads and the streets but not the pavements yet we were still expected to take children to school knowing that countless people were slipping daily on these pavements, both young and elderly alike!
No sooner had this tragic accident happened that the school set about clearing the ice from the pavements! Why oh why did they wait for Naeemahs’ death to happen before asking themselves the question, 'Are our roads and pavements safe for the youngsters?' I’m sure the students wouldn’t be allowed to play on icy playgrounds during break time in schools, so why they expect us to bring our children over pavements which are clearly unsafe. And with the threat of cars colliding and skidding over black ice, it’s not always safe or a good bet to walk on the roads all the time!
An inquest will now take place asking these very questions; why weren’t the pavements gritted? whose responsibly? Why was this young innocent, full of life, eager to learn youngster, Naeemah and her brother allowed to enter the school via the main school office? Why did the ambulance not arrive in time? Why did a 999 emergency call take 45 minutes? Yet the school was adjacent to a main dual carriageway! But no doubt and in typical fashion this inquest will absolve anyone and everyone from any remote responsible whatsoever! And whilst we rue over the findings of the inquest report, we will be safe to know that the parents and family will have yet to come to terms with the loss of their daughter and sister.
The more I think about this the more upset I get. So I end by saying the family are very grateful for all the tributes and kind words of comfort which are flooding in, at this difficult time!
The funeral is time is set at 11:30am at Pleasington Cemetery, Blackburn.
May Naeemah finally rest in peace and safety in heaven. Ameen
Love xXx
Para Handy
says...
11:37pm Fri 15 Jan 10
l m h jones
says...
11:51pm Fri 15 Jan 10
fullagrit
says...
11:57pm Fri 15 Jan 10
Please don't take this the wrong way, now is a time to show togetherness,love and support for each other.
In the future we must not forget this.R.I.P
ROVERS1875
says...
12:00am Sat 16 Jan 10
amir
says...
12:29am Sat 16 Jan 10
I agree with master.Why did the school send children all the way around to the other entrance.Hopefully the inquest will reveal the faults.
topman01
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12:43am Sat 16 Jan 10
R Ahmed
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12:49am Sat 16 Jan 10
RAyzer
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10:04am Sat 16 Jan 10
willybob
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10:36am Sat 16 Jan 10
RAyzer wrote:spot on. millions are given in aid to other countrys while our own have to go without. the pavements are horrendous to walk on yet we are still expected to go about our daily routines. and i swear i have been behind 2 gritters in the past fortnite and neither of them was spreading grit, just making us believe they were.
is this 2010 or or what????how could or did this happen????EVERY street was gritted when i was a kid,this government gives to much to overseas and leaves this country short
RIP little girl, this should never have happened
Maestro5
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11:12am Sat 16 Jan 10
madari
says...
11:17am Sat 16 Jan 10
"R.I.P.........littl
e angel.
MK Blackburn
says...
11:39am Sat 16 Jan 10
It's all well and easy playing the blame game....as humans we automatically look for fault in any system which has disadvantaged us in such a way. I think it's important to remember that this was the decision of the Almighty, had she been late, she still may have fallen, had she been allowed in when requested, she still may have fallen...but the conclusion would still have been the same. We are sent into this world with a 'fixed' living period...and we will not breathe for a second longer than is permissable by the Almighty. This is the decision of Allah...who is All-Knowing, All-Seeing. We must not anger ourselves at circumstances, although it is human nature, we must try and remember that the little girl is indeed very lucky to have passed away sinless. No enquiry or inquest is going to bring her back and nor can anything said or done by the council or school change anything. My deepest sympathies to the parents and family...it may not seem so in this life, but in the hereafter you will appreciate the decision of the Almighty.
coke ovens
says...
11:56am Sat 16 Jan 10
Old Timer
says...
12:21pm Sat 16 Jan 10
gorji
says...
1:03pm Sat 16 Jan 10
shap
says...
1:30pm Sat 16 Jan 10
Mo_patel
says...
1:58pm Sat 16 Jan 10
woodyads
says...
2:52pm Sat 16 Jan 10
Maybe we should all wait for the official findings of an inquest before jumping on a bandwagon and seizing the opportunity to (yet again) have a go at school staff, this time those who work at St Michael with St John, some of whom I know, and who are extremely dedicated and passionate members of staff who will be truly devastated at this turn of events.
Imrandpatel
says...
3:24pm Sat 16 Jan 10
bluetonic
says...
3:36pm Sat 16 Jan 10
rip naeemah
my heart goes out to the family
x
ranimuk
says...
5:41pm Sat 16 Jan 10
Hopping mad
says...
6:38pm Sat 16 Jan 10
I think its about time we looked at the culture of six weeks holidays in the summer. Maybe we should look at holidays during adverse weather instead of during summer months.
I don't think that we should be blaming anyone. The school or the council as this kind of accident could've happened to anyone of us at any place.
The gritting arguement has been rumbling on for ages but ask yourselves how many of you have even bothered to clear snow and ice away from outside your front door?
God bless this little girl and her family at this time and I'm sure they will be in all our prayers.
brossen99
says...
8:15pm Sat 16 Jan 10
daud ibrahim
says...
9:48pm Sat 16 Jan 10
If the councils are skivving and not gritting the footpaths then it should be the school taking responsibility of ensuring the passage to the school entrances are safe before allowing the school doors to be open. I live opposite a high school and the school made sure our street footpath was fully gritted before opening their doors. Parents were asked to get involved and there was a great response as parents were only happy to help to ensure their children were safe.
George3899
says...
10:47pm Sat 16 Jan 10
f.p
says...
11:25pm Sat 16 Jan 10
The teacher who sent them back probably never realised how bad the footpaths were and as an every day duty simply told the children that the bell had not gone so if they could just go back to the main entrance.
I have 3 children at the school and i actually commend and thank the teachers how much help they gave to the children. the teachers were standing at a few yard apart and as children came one teacher would escort one round of children to the other in turn passing the children safely to their classrooms. They had closed the playground and the children were taken down one cleared and gritted path to their classrooms.
we would all like to take our anger out on others but as a community we should all stand together and grieve for this little girl who would still be alive "if at the end of the day it had not snowed" if they had not gone to the other entrance, if it had been gritted, if they were not sent back to the other entrance, if the school was shut. Too many if's only one BUT... that is the will of allah. Rest in peace , Naeemah .
Lamp it!
says...
12:38am Sun 17 Jan 10
brossen99 wrote:not true. fell 3 times near the school. what's that got to do with it anyway?
Perhaps its a bit ironic, but I am informed that the pavements of the main streets of the village of Whalley ( main LLC gritting depot base ) were gritted quite thoroughly. Some householders complained because the grit was treading into their houses and getting onto their carpets !
mrs patel
says...
12:43pm Sun 17 Jan 10
sweek01
says...
12:50pm Sun 17 Jan 10
Ameen to all dua's.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'oon
May Allah(swt) grant you and close family members with patience and may she be blessed from here onwards,may Allah swt give u janat ul firdaus...
plse pray surah fatiha once and surah iqlas 3 times for esale sawab for her...
dua may yaad
t1eck
says...
5:36pm Sun 17 Jan 10
I did not intend to write anything on here but after reading some of the varied comments I changed my mind. Like ‘excaliber’ of Great Harwood, ‘mazx4’ of Blackburn makes me ashamed to be white! This about a little girl who tragically died, not some racist fool’s ignorance. I have also read some positive comments from people who have children at the school and acknowledged how much the staff were doing to try and help the children to stay safe. What remains is a child died. Her parents and younger brother (who must also have witnessed some of this), friends and the staff at the school will all be grieving for her. Let her rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with Naeemah’s family and friends and also all the staff at St Michael with St John Primary School.
Lifeinthemix
says...
6:35pm Sun 17 Jan 10
I say given the Telegraph makes money from the people of Lancashire they should file charges against the Council for failing to keep the highways clear from danger, then while you are at it do the same against the H&S idiots who suggest we do not clear our fronts of snow...
.
I of course cleared the pavement and the road like we all used to do in the days when the British people were sane and ignored the idiots who speak words.
.
Capita and serco...go f@ck yourselves
ruxy
says...
2:54pm Tue 19 Jan 10
very sad. RIP
In my opinion......
says...
5:08pm Tue 19 Jan 10
My sympathy goes out to this little girls family and hopefully once they've had time to grieve they will accept that this was a freak accident and nothing else and it could of been anybody's little boy or girl, black or white.
Active dads snow patrol
says...
10:43am Fri 22 Jan 10
burner says...
2:51pm Fri 15 Jan 10