At least nine children were tragically killed when a wall collapsed on them during a religious event in Shahpur, Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh, on Sunday. Four other children sustained severe injuries and are currently in critical condition.
The accident happened as the children were participating in a religious ceremony at the Hardayal temple, where they were making earthen Shivlings. The collapse occurred when a wall from a dilapidated house, weakened by recent heavy rainfall, gave way. The wall, reportedly 50 years old, fell onto the children.
Many of the children had gathered at the event since their schools were closed for the holiday. Emergency responders used a bulldozer to clear the debris and rescue the trapped children. The injured were promptly taken to Sagar District Hospital for treatment, and the deceased were also transported there for post-mortem examination.
In response to the tragedy, Rahli MLA and former state minister Gopal Bhargava, along with district administration officials and police, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and announced that the state government will provide Rs 4 lakh in financial assistance to each of the victims’ families.
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“Today, I am deeply saddened by the loss of nine innocent children due to the collapse of an old wall in Shahpur,” Chief Minister Yadav tweeted. “I have instructed the district administration to ensure the injured receive proper medical care. I pray for the souls of the deceased and the swift recovery of those injured. The government will support the families with Rs 4 lakh each.”
This incident follows a similar tragedy in Rewa district, where four children were killed on Saturday when a wall of an abandoned building collapsed as they were returning home from school. Following the Rewa collapse, police arrested two building owners and filed a case against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Chief Minister Yadav also announced Rs 2 lakh in financial aid for each family affected by the Rewa incident.
