School investigates
ceiling collapse

Teams of engineers spent yesterday inspecting the Kailua Intermediate classroom where a ceiling crashed on 13 students and their teacher Friday, but officials said they need more time to determine what caused the collapse and whether the problem extends to other classrooms.

The ceiling came down about noon Friday after corroded wires that held up the ceiling's framework gave way. Metal, plaster and acoustic ceiling tiles rained down on students, eight of whom were taken to Castle Medical Center along with their teacher for treatment of minor cuts and bruises.

State Department of Education spokesman Greg Knudsen said crews examined the affected classroom yesterday, but were unable to determine what caused the framework's wires to corrode.

Richard Soo of the Education Department's Safety and Security Services section said crews started clearing out the classroom.

Barring any discoveries of widespread damage, the school is scheduled to reopen Tuesday after tomorrow's holiday, officials said. The affected wing of Building C, where the classroom is located, will remain closed until all repairs are completed.