Third Fatality Confirmed in Annupur Lodge Collapse Tragedy
The death toll from the catastrophic collapse of a four-storey lodge in Annupur has risen to three, following the recovery of a woman's body from the debris on Sunday morning. Rescue operations persisted for nearly 24 hours at the site, involving multiple agencies and heavy machinery.
Victims Identified as Rescue Efforts Intensify
The latest victim has been identified as Radha Kol, 45. She joins two other casualties from the incident: Hanuman Deen Yadav, 55, and his brother-in-law Ram Kripal Yadav, 40. The collapse of Agarwal Lodge occurred near the Kotma bus stand on Saturday evening, triggering an immediate emergency response.
Rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local agencies, worked tirelessly through Sunday. Additional support was summoned from Bhilai and Varanasi to assist in the search and recovery mission. Operations continued until approximately 5 PM, when the site was finally leveled and thoroughly inspected.
Preliminary Investigation Points to Structural Weakness
Initial findings from officials suggest that the building's collapse may be linked to a nearby excavation pit. Preliminary reports indicate that a pit nearly 12 feet deep had been dug adjacent to the structure. Water accumulation in this pit is believed to have severely weakened the foundation, causing the building to tilt and ultimately collapse.
In response to the incident, police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) at the Kotma police station. The complaint targets landowner Rajiv Garg and lodge owner Lallu Lal Agarwal under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities have emphasized that a thorough inquiry is underway, with promises of strict action against those found responsible.
Government Response and Community Impact
The district administration has announced substantial financial assistance for the affected families. Each family of the deceased will receive Rs 9 lakh, while injured individuals are entitled to Rs 2.5 lakh. State ministers Dilip Jaiswal and Dilip Ahirwar visited the collapse site, expressing their condolences and assuring a comprehensive investigation.
The collapse also caused significant damage to a neighboring grocery shop, which developed visible cracks in its structure. As a precautionary measure, the administration demolished the shop to prevent further risk. Rescue teams employed heavy machinery and dog squads to ensure no victims remained trapped in the debris.
Local Disruption and Reflective Statements
The ongoing rescue operation led to the closure of shops in the vicinity on Sunday, with barricades erected near the bus stand. Local residents noted that the casualty count could have been substantially higher if the market had been operational at the time of the collapse. The community remains in shock as authorities continue to assess the full impact of this tragic event.
