The death toll from the collapse of a wall at the Datia Fort in Madhya Pradesh has risen to seven, with two individuals rescued from the rubble.
The deceased include five members of a single family. The two survivors, who were pulled from the debris, have been admitted to a hospital in Gwalior, where their conditions are reported as critical.
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The collapsed wall was part of the centuries-old ‘Rajgarh Ka Quila’ in Datia. The fort, already in a dilapidated state for several years, succumbed to heavy rains over the past two days, causing the wall to collapse early Thursday morning.
Former Minister Narottam Mishra, who previously represented the Datia Assembly constituency, informed Chief Minister Mohan Yadav about the incident. Mishra reported that the Chief Minister has promised an ex gratia payment of Rs four lakh to each deceased’s family and improved medical care for the injured.
The collapse occurred around 4 a.m. Thursday. Local residents initially rescued two individuals, and local police along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) conducted a rescue operation that lasted over eight hours. Progress was slow due to encroachment around the building, but efforts accelerated once JCB machines cleared the heavy debris.
Chief Minister Yadav, who held an emergency meeting with District Collectors, acknowledged that excessive rainfall has created flood-like conditions in various parts of the state. He urged district administrations to remain vigilant and advised the people of Madhya Pradesh to stay alert to prevent further incidents.
