Student hurt in mock hanging

CANBERRA - A Queensland schoolboy is recovering after being cut down from a noose during a mock classroom hanging that turned horribly wrong.

Students said the boy's face turned blue and his neck was marked with a "big red line" after the near-tragedy at Laidley State High School, in the Lockyer Valley about 80km west of Brisbane.

Watched by about 60 other students and supervised by a teacher, the noose had been placed around the Year 9 student's neck for photographs for a crime scene to be used in an English unit.

Education Queensland assistant director-general Lyn McKenzie said the boy fell, and was cut free by teachers and students who rushed to his aid.

"An ambulance was called as was the student's mother," she said.

"He was examined by ambulance officers on site and was allowed to go home with his mother."

Several distressed students also went home, and counselling was offered to staff and students.

Education Minister Geoff Wilson said investigations had been launched by Education Queensland and state workplace health and safety officials.

"It beggars belief that such an incident could take place," he said.

"We want to find out how it took place so that whatever action needs to be taken can be taken to ensure that such an incident can never happen again.

"I'm a parent.

"The last thing I've ever wanted any of my children to do is put a rope around their neck and I'm astonished the incident's taken place.

"However, we must bring an open mind to the investigation."

Opposition education spokesman Bruce Flegg said measures must be taken to prevent a repeat.

"It's absolutely outrageous any Queensland school re-enacts a hanging with a child involved," he said.

"This is a major safety breach to hang a noose around a child's neck and put them in peril."

Wilson said he expected his department to act immediately on any recommendations from the investigations.

It was not known yesterday if any action had been taken against the teacher involved.