Barnala House Collapse: Family's Rs 49 Lakh Home Crumbles in Minutes
A shocking video went viral on Friday, capturing the dramatic collapse of a two-storey house in Dhilwan village, Barnala district. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, saw the structure fall apart within minutes, resembling a pack of cards tumbling down.
Foundation Weakened by Incessant Rains
The collapse was attributed to severe foundation damage caused by water seepage during the relentless August-September monsoon rains. Reports indicate that the house had been at risk for some time due to this structural weakness, which ultimately led to its sudden failure.
Family Away During the Incident
Fortunately, the family residing in the house was out of town when the collapse happened. Neighbors quickly responded, capturing the entire event on their mobile phones. The footage has since spread widely, highlighting the precarious state of the building.
Owner's Financial and Personal Loss
The house was owned by Junior Basic Teacher (JBT) Puran Singh, who constructed it in 2018 at a cost of Rs 49 lakh, financed through a loan. Singh revealed that he was planning to solemnize the marriages of his 23-year-old daughter and 25-year-old son in the coming months. All belongings, including furniture, were destroyed in the collapse, resulting in a significant financial setback.
Puran Singh expressed his mixed emotions, stating, "Even as we suffered a huge financial loss, which we may not be able to be compensated for in any way, we are still thankful to the Almighty that we are all safe, as we were away. The incident could have happened sometime when we were at home."Community Support and Demands for Compensation
In the aftermath, neighbors and village residents rallied around Puran Singh, offering support and demanding compensation for the aggrieved family. They emphasized that the collapse was directly linked to the incessant rains, which compromised the house's foundation.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by structures during extreme weather conditions, particularly in regions prone to heavy monsoon rains. Authorities are urged to assess and address such risks to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
