VIJAYAPURA: In a tragic incident, four members of a family lost their lives after the roof of their old rented house collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds in Karnataka's Vijayapura district, police confirmed on Friday.
Victims Identified
The deceased have been identified as Gurunath Badigera (35), his wife Jyoti Badigera (28), and their two children, Kalamma Badigera (13) and Kirti Badigera (9). The family resided in Moratagi village under Alamela taluk of Vijayapura district, according to officials.
Details of the Incident
Police reported that the family had been living in the rented house while renovation work was being carried out at their own home. The tragedy struck on Thursday night when the roof caved in due to heavy rain and strong winds. A senior police officer stated that all four family members were asleep at the time of the collapse, and they were trapped under the debris, dying on the spot.
Rescue Operations
Teams from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, along with police personnel, rushed to the scene and conducted rescue operations to recover the bodies. The incident falls under the jurisdiction of Sindagi Police Station. Senior officers inspected the site, and further investigation is underway.
Political Reactions
Calling the incident tragic and horrifying, B Y Vijayendra urged the state government to announce adequate compensation for the victims' family. He also appealed to district administrations across Karnataka to identify dilapidated houses and buildings and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents. In a post on X, he said, "The collapse of a house roof due to heavy rains, burying an entire family of four alive, is truly a cruel twist of fate. I pray to god that the departed souls find peace and that their loved ones are granted the strength to bear this sorrow."
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
