Probe into St Kevin’s balcony collapse after student’s ‘extensive injuries’

An injured student is still in hospital more than two weeks on from a balcony collapse while parts of the college’s middle school Heyington campus in Toorak remain cordoned off.

A St Kevin's College student has had surgery on his femur and chin after a balcony collapsed. Picture: AAP

The year seven St Kevin’s student who fell when a balcony gave way remains in hospital recovering from serious injuries as investigations into the accident continue.

A spokesman for the school said the student “remains in hospital receiving ongoing treatment for his extensive injuries”.

A letter sent to parents last week from principal Deborah Barker said the student had surgery on his femur and chin.

Some areas of the college’s middle school Heyington campus in Toorak remain cordoned off as required by WorkSafe, including access to the lower and upper deck areas.

Investigations into the accident are continuing. Picture: AAP

Ms Barker said the “investigation process will take time and we will allow the relevant authorities to make their determinations. Please be assured that safety is a paramount consideration for the College and safety and risk processes are a routine part of our everyday work”.

A spokeswoman for the RCH said the boy “remains in a stable condition”.

It’s understood that a number of students were playing on the middle school deck and a year eight student fell when the balcony surface gave way on November 8.

The student is believed to have been jumping on a wooden bench before it fell through the deck about ten metres to the undercroft below and a rack of bikes broke his fall.

It’s understood that the final version of the building was different to the original design, with one onlooker saying it was a “miracle that the boy is alive”.

A spokeswoman said WorkSafe “is assessing the matter to determine whether a formal investigation is required”.

The authority may take no action, refer the issue to another authority, issue improvement or prohibition notices or recommend a comprehensive investigation to consider a potential prosecution.