New Delhi: A devastating incident occurred in Madhya Pradeshs Sagar district where a dilapidated houses wall collapsed during a religious gathering resulting in the tragic loss of at least nine young lives on Sunday. The calamity also left four children severely injured with their condition reported to be critical, leaving their families and loved ones anxiously waiting for their recovery.The unfortunate event took place in Shahpur, where a group of children were actively participating in a religious ceremony at the Hardayal temple premises, engaged in creating earthen Shivlings as part of the festivities. Unbeknownst to them, the 50-year-old wall of a nearby dilapidated house, weakened by the relentless heavy rainfall was on the verge of collapse, ultimately leading to the tragic outcome.Sunday holiday turns tragicMany children attended the event because it coincided with a Sunday holiday when schools were closed. It led to allowing them to participate in the festivities without any academic commitments or obligations. This made it an opportunity for them to engage in religious and cultural activities.A bulldozer was used to move the rubble and find the trapped children. After they were rescued, the area was cleared.Watch video: Major tragedy in MPs Sagar district. 9 children buried alive in a wall collapse. The ghastly incident happened at a temple in Rehli area, when the old wall of an adjoining house collapsed following heavy rains. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/BDTZfkOpUV— Anuraag Singh (@anuraag_niebpl) August 4, 2024Collector confirms rainfall caused fatal incidentAccording to Sagar Collector Deepak Arya, the collapse of the wall was directly attributed to the intense rainfall, which proved to be the final straw for the already fragile structure, culminating in the heartbreaking loss of innocent lives and leaving the community in shock and grief.Deepak Arya stated that the incident occurred at 8:30 am at the temple premises, where children were gathered in a tent when a weakened wall collapsed on them, claiming the lives of nine children who were buried under the debris. The recent rainfall had compromised the walls foundation, leading to the devastating collapse.Some children suffered injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. He also confirmed that the rescue operation is complete, with all debris cleared from the incident site, he further added.Leaders and officials rush to sceneFollowing the incident Rahli MLA and former state minister Gopal Bhargava promptly visited Shahpur to assess the situation and offer support. Meanwhile, officials from the district administration and police department also rushed to the scene to assist in the response efforts. The bodies of the deceased children were then sent to Sagar District Hospital for further examination and post-mortem procedures.
