FERNDALE, Mich. -- The flagpole that broke in high winds and killed a kindergartner in April was rusted inside and out, according to a consultant's report.

Angel Pocock-Smith, 5, of Oak Park, was playing in the courtyard during recess when the steel pole fell.

"Just days after the incident, a flagpole company came and inspected all of our poles," said Stephani Hall, of Ferndale Schools. "We had three other poles they recommended to come down. Two have already come down. The other will be down soon.

Hall said the report said the primary cause of failure in this case was hidden long-term corrosion, it was not visible to the eye.

The report by SEA Ltd. found that flagpole broke because two lamp arms clamped to its sides held water for years. That caused the corrosion to the pole, which is estimated to be at least 60 years old.

State and national experts say the accident and report suggest that tens of thousands of schools nationwide should check poles and posts, particularly if the poles are made of steel.

There is no state regulation requiring flagpole inspection, but several Michigan school districts have hired firms to inspect them following the accident in Ferndale.

Detroit-area attorney Bob Darling has been retained by Pocock-Smith's family and said he notified the district of his plans to file a civil lawsuit within a few weeks.