Tragic Mound Collapse in Sonbhadra Village Claims Three Lives
In a devastating incident on Monday, three women lost their lives and two others sustained injuries when a large mound collapsed in Kirwani village, located under the Myorpur police station area of Sonbhadra district. The victims were buried under debris while collecting mud for traditional home preparations ahead of upcoming festivals.
Rescue Operation and Official Response
Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma confirmed the identities of the deceased as Sadikunnesa, Anisha Khatun, and Seeta. The injured women, Phool Kumari and Nazimunnesa, received immediate first aid after being rescued from the rubble. Villagers initially heard screams and rushed to the site, alerting authorities by dialing emergency number 112 while attempting to remove debris using local resources.
Myorpur police and a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team quickly arrived at the scene, deploying a JCB machine to expedite the rescue efforts. All five women were pulled from the debris in unconscious states and transported to a nearby hospital. Medical professionals pronounced three of them dead upon arrival, while treatment commenced for the two survivors.
Festival Preparations Turn Fatal
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the women were collecting fresh mud from the village outskirts mound as part of traditional preparations for Holi and Eid festivals. In this region, it is customary to plaster and polish homes with new mud before these celebrations. While the women were actively extracting the material, a substantial portion of the mound unexpectedly gave way, trapping them beneath the collapsing earth.
Senior officials including Circle Officer Duddhi Rajesh Rai and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate visited the site following the tragedy. Authorities contacted the families of all affected women and initiated a thorough examination of the area by forest and land revenue department officials.
Preventive Measures and Ongoing Investigation
SP Abhishek Verma emphasized that officials have been instructed to assess all locations where villagers routinely collect mud from mounds. This evaluation aims to implement necessary safety precautions and prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the mound's instability and whether any environmental or human factors contributed to the collapse.
The community of Kirwani village remains in shock as they mourn the loss of three members while supporting the recovery of the injured survivors. This tragic event highlights the risks associated with traditional practices and underscores the need for greater safety awareness in rural areas.
