Goalpost-related accidents claim lives of students, safety concerns raised
GOALPOST-related accidents have claimed the lives of several students in Malaysia over the years, prompting calls for increased safety measures.
In a heart-wrenching incident, an 11-year-old student lost his life during a sporting event at a local school in Bintulu, Sarawak, on Sept 30.
The young boy, whose identity has been withheld, was struck by the crossbar of a goalpost during a co-curricular activity at Sekolah Kebangsaan St. Anthony.
He was pronounced dead at Bintulu Hospital.
This harrowing incident has reignited concerns about the safety of goalposts on school premises, shedding light on yet another tragic accident involving such equipment.
Another tragic incident: 11-year-old student's life lost on Oct 20, 2022
On Oct 20, 2022, another tragic incident unfolded when an 11-year-old school student lost his life as a goalpost crossbar fell on him during a sporting event at a school in Manggatal, Sabah.
The young boy was confirmed to have died at Likas Hospital after the 12.20pm incident.
Kota Kinabalu district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zaidi Abdullah reported that the boy's father was present at the annual sports fair in SJK(C) Lok Yuk when he noticed students in a group gathered and causing a commotion on the field.
He approached the group, only to realise his son was lying on the ground.
The victim was transported to Likas Hospital in an ambulance after a local teacher called the MERS-999 number.
He was pronounced dead due to severe head injuries sustained when the bar fell on him.
Other tragic incidents involving goalposts
Here is a roundup of seven tragic incidents that have resulted in unnecessary damage, injuries, and heartbreaking tragedies:
July 12, 2016: A 14-year-old student in Gua Musang, Kelantan, lost his life when a goalpost fell on him during a physical education class.
April 10, 2014: An 8-year-old student in Batu Pahat, Johor, lost his life after a goalpost fell on him while playing.
September 19, 2011: An 11-year-old student in Klang suffered severe head injuries from a falling goalpost.
November 4, 2010: A 10-year-old student in Penang lost his life in hospital due to injuries caused by a falling goalpost.
January 30, 2008: A Year Four student in Sungai Petani, Kedah, lost his life after being struck by a falling goalpost while playing at a field.
March 7, 2000: A 14-year-old student in Kuantan, Pahang, was hit by a falling goalpost while playing golf.
Call for stringent safety measures and regular maintenance of goalposts
These distressing incidents have shed light on the pressing need for stringent safety measures and regular maintenance of sports equipment, especially goalposts, within school premises.
The safety of students during physical activities must remain a top priority to prevent further heartbreaking tragedies.
