Tragic Soil Mound Collapse in Sonbhadra Claims Three Lives Ahead of Holi
A devastating incident unfolded in the forest area of Kirwani village, Sonbhadra district, on Monday, resulting in the deaths of three women and injuries to two others. The tragedy occurred when a soil mound suddenly collapsed while the women were engaged in a traditional pre-Holi activity.
Details of the Fatal Incident
According to Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma, a group of women from a nearby village had ventured into the Kirwani forest to collect clay. This clay was intended for plastering and painting their mud houses in preparation for the upcoming Holi festival. While digging near a mound, the structure unexpectedly gave way, burying five women under the debris.
Villagers immediately alerted authorities through the UP112 emergency service. A coordinated rescue operation was swiftly launched, involving local police, a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team, and residents of the area. The women were extracted from the collapsed soil and transported to the Myorpur Community Health Centre for medical attention.
Victims and Official Response
Tragically, three women were declared dead upon arrival at the health centre. The deceased have been identified as Sadikunnisha, aged 30, Anisha Khatoon, aged 20, and Sita Kunwar, aged 28. The two injured women received treatment for their wounds.
Senior officials, including Circle Officer Duddhi Rajesh Rai, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and other authorities, promptly reached the accident site to oversee the situation. SP Abhishek Verma emphasized that forest and land revenue department officials have been instructed to conduct a thorough examination of the area. This inspection aims to assess the safety of locations where villagers commonly collect mud from mounds and to implement necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
The incident highlights the risks associated with traditional practices in vulnerable terrains, especially during festive seasons when such activities peak. The collapse has raised concerns about soil stability in forest regions and the need for enhanced community awareness regarding potential hazards.
Authorities are now focusing on:
- Conducting detailed geological surveys of mud collection sites
- Establishing guidelines for safe clay extraction practices
- Increasing surveillance in forest areas to monitor unauthorized digging
- Launching public awareness campaigns about soil mound dangers
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety protocols in rural and forested areas, particularly as communities engage in age-old customs. The investigation into the exact cause of the mound collapse continues, with officials committed to ensuring such a disaster does not recur.
