A LAIDLEY State High School student yesterday revealed a teacher was not in the classroom when a boy was almost hanged on Monday.

The Chronicle broke the news on Tuesday that a year 9 student, who had a rope around his neck, fell from a table and was injured while a year 9 class was photographing a staged crime scene as part of an English unit.

Students and teachers rushed to his assistance and cut the rope after hearing a scream.

The story has since gained national media coverage.

An angry mum yesterday said her children were told not to speak about the incident by the school and called for those involved to be sacked.

The woman said her daughter was in a class last year that staged similar mock crimes, but did not involve a mock hanging.

“Last year it seemed weird since there is so much crime in our world, but it was relatively harmless then,” she said.

“But if this was my child, I would want blood and something done. I have even heard that there wasn't anyone supervising at the time.”

The Chronicle spoke with several residents from the community yesterday who said the incident should never have happened and the teacher should, at the least, be reprimanded.

An Education Queensland spokesperson said the teacher of the year 9 class had “definitely” not been suspended at this stage.

Acting deputy director-general of education Lyn McKenzie said yesterday the matter was being treated extremely seriously with an investigation by the Department of Education and also Workplace Health and Safety.

“Education Queensland will look at all aspects of the incident, but at this time, it is neither appropriate nor possible to outline further specific details until the investigation is complete,” Ms McKenzie said.

“Officers from the Department's Ethical Standards Unit are conducting the investigation and will provide a full report and recommendations to me.

“This will be a thorough process, but will be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“As an interim measure, I have directed that this assessment item be reviewed in terms of its appropriateness and that alternative assessment and class activities be put in place during the course of the investigation.”

Support and counselling has been offered to any staff or students who might have witnessed the incident.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said he had always found the school very conscientious and very concerned for students' safety.

“It is a very unfortunate incident and I feel for the family involved who must be very concerned,” he said.

“I have visited the school on numerous occasions and found they are very conscious of safety.

“Obviously they (Education Queensland) need to get all the facts before, if any, action is taken against the teacher or school.”

About 60 students from three classes witnessed the incident and several distressed students went home.

The school has declined to speak with media.

It is believed the parents of the boy have made a complaint to police.

Police refused to comment on the incident.

Queensland Education Minister Geoff Wilson said it was important to find out how the incident unfolded to ensure that it can never happen again.

“It beggars belief that such an incident could take place,” Mr Wilson said.