Singrauli/Bhopal: A tragic accident occurred on Monday night in Barhapan village of Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh. A mud house collapsed on a sleeping family. Three members of the same family were killed and five others injured. Eight members of the family were sleeping inside at the time of the accident.
According to police officials, the deceased have been identified as Arun Vishwakarma (36), his mother Santulia (65), and their two-year-old daughter. The injured include women and children. They have been admitted to the government hospital in Baidhan and a private hospital.
8 family members buried under the debris
According to reports, the family had prepared to sleep after dinner. The two-story traditional mud house suddenly collapsed, burying the eight family members.
The five people injured in the accident have been identified as Belmati, Sudarshan Vishwakarma, Roshni, Deepak, and Ajay Vishwakarma. Deepak is the son of the deceased Arun.
Villagers and administration launched rescue operation
As soon as the house collapse was reported, a team of villagers and the administration launched a rescue operation. Earthmoving machines were used to remove the debris. Local residents also assisted in the rescue and relief efforts. The operation, which lasted throughout the night, resulted in the bodies and injured being pulled out by around 1 am.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and police officers also arrived at the scene and monitored the rescue operations.
Crack in wall, planned to be repaired the next day
According to police, one of the walls of the house had already developed a crack and was making noises. The family was apprehensive about the condition of the house and had planned to have it repaired the next day. However, the entire building collapsed before that could happen.
Family member Belmati was trapped under the debris along with four children. Neighbors helped rescue them. Meanwhile, her husband Arun, along with other family members, was trapped in the debris and could not be rescued.
Injured undergoing treatment at hospital
According to the administration, the injured are undergoing treatment at the hospital and necessary assistance is being provided to the affected family. At present, the state government has not officially announced any compensation for the families of the deceased.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident. Local officials have stressed the need to pay special attention to the safety of mud houses in such areas.