A tragic accident occurred at a Detroit school when two contract workers plunged through a shaft from the building's roof to its basement, resulting in one fatality and one person injured. As The Detroit News reports, the incident took place earlier this week at Mary McLeod Bethune Academy on the west side of the city.

Both individuals were employees of a contractor hired to make repairs on the school's damper, which controls airflow through ventilation systems. While details are sparse, the investigation into the Wednesday incident continues, with the circumstances that led to their fall still under scrutiny. The Detroit Public Schools Community District extended "Our deepest sympathy goes out to the contractors and their employees and their families," according to a statement acquired by FOX 2 Detroit.

Local 4 News revealed that the police were involved in the case, with officials estimating the workers fell at least three stories. One of the workers was pronounced dead at the scene while the other, fortunately, was able to get help and has since been hospitalized.

No students or teachers witnessed the accident, and the school staff worked diligently to keep the children isolated from the event. Despite this, the school opted for an early dismissal to avoid distractions, and to allow the authorities the necessary space and time to address the accident, the school said. The district's move, serves as a reminder of the responsibilities schools have not just to educate, but also to protect and insulate the young from the harsher realities that sometimes breach the walls intended to shelter them.