Safety latches should have prevented accident that resulted in death of student

Two safety latches should have prevented an accident with a wall mounted table at the Poplar Bluff Early Childhood that officials say caused the death Friday of a 4-year-old child.

The tables are used in a combined cafeteria and multipurpose room, which was being used for a physical education class.

The child, who has not been identified, approached one of the wall mounted tables “and apparently pushed a bench connected to it,” Poplar Bluff R-I Superintendent Scott Dill said around noon Friday.

The accident occurred at approximately 10 a.m.

The table released and struck the student.

“Multiple safety features were in place to prevent exactly that from happening,” Dill said. “We are still investigating to determine exactly what happened.”

Each table is equipped with a manufacturer's lock and an additional safety lock, said Dill, who has promised if additional steps can be taken for the safety of the children, they will be done.

“This was a tragic accident,” Dill said. “We don’t feel like our other students are in danger at this facility. There is no explanation for it at this point.”

Physical education has been held in the facility for years without incident, he said.

“Obviously we are looking at everything, but there has been no indication of any problems prior to this with the device,” he said.

The Poplar Bluff Police Department and Butler County Coroner Andy Moore are involved in an investigation into the incident. Police Lt. Josh Stewart did not anticipate any criminal charges.

“From what we can tell at this point, it seems to just be a tragic accident,” Stewart said shortly after noon Friday.

An autopsy will be conducted Saturday as part of the investigation, Stewart said.

The student was immediately transported following the accident to the on-site nursing office, where care was administered, as well as CPR, officials said.

The student was then taken by ambulance to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Following the incident, classes at the Early Childhood Center were dismissed for the remainder of the day.

Other students were present at the time of the accident, officials report. Grief counselors and faith-based partners will be available for students, teachers, parents and anyone else who needs assistance, Dill said.

The district has reached out to students who were present and their parents, Dill said, to ensure they are fully aware of the situation that occurred and offering services as needed.

“This is an awful thing that has happened in our community and we need the thoughts and prayers of everyone focused on the family, students, teachers and community,” Dill said.

School is expected to take place Monday, he added.