In a devastating incident, nine children aged 10-14 years lost their lives, and four others were critically injured when a crumbling wall adjacent to a temple in Shahpur, Madhya Pradesh, collapsed due to incessant rainfall. The children were engaged in crafting earthen Shivlings when the 50-year-old wall gave way, trapping them under a pile of debris.
This heart-wrenching incident marks the second such tragedy in the state within two days, highlighting the alarming neglect of dilapidated structures. On Saturday, four children aged 5-7 years succumbed to a wall collapse while returning from school in Rewa district.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took swift action, ordering the removal of the Sagar collector, SP, and local SDM, as well as the suspension of the chief municipal officer and a sub-engineer of Shahpur.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene as over a dozen children gathered under a tent to create Shivlings, while a massive crowd thronged the Hardaul Baba Temple. Around 10 am, the rain-weakened wall collapsed, burying the children under a mound of debris. Rescue efforts were launched, with parents and villagers frantically searching for survivors amidst screams and wails.
Collector Deepak Arya confirmed that the wall collapse was triggered by rainfall. Two children died on the spot, while seven others succumbed to their injuries en route to the hospital. The two survivors are in stable condition.
Local MLA Gopal Bhargava, who oversaw the rescue efforts, noted that many of the deceased were the only children of their parents.
Chief Minister Yadav expressed profound grief and announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the kin of each deceased child. He also directed an immediate statewide review of dilapidated and dangerous buildings, emphasizing the need for swift action to prevent such tragedies.
Read more: https://thelocaljournalist.com/landslide-affects-train-services-between-howrah-burdwan-main-line/
