In a tragic incident that has shocked the remote village of Kirwani in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district, three women lost their lives when a mud mound collapsed on them Monday morning. The women were digging for mud to whitewash their homes ahead of the Holi festival, a common practice in rural areas.
The mishap occurred in the Myorpur police station area, deep within a forested region. Five women were at work excavating the mound when it suddenly gave way, burying them under tons of earth. Local police, fire brigade, and rescue teams rushed to the scene after receiving an emergency call via Dial 112.
Rescue operations were swiftly launched, with teams working tirelessly to dig out the victims. Tragically, three women—Sadiqunisha, Anisha Khatoon, and Seeta—were declared dead at the spot. Two others, Phool Kumari and Najimun Nisha, were pulled out alive but in critical condition and rushed to a nearby hospital in Dudhi for urgent treatment.
Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma confirmed the details, stating that all possible efforts were made to ensure no one else was trapped. ‘We have thoroughly checked the area, and there are no more victims under the debris,’ he said. Police have sent the bodies for post-mortem and deployed heavy security at the site.
Grieving families and villagers gathered at the location, their cries echoing through the forest. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of such informal mud-digging activities, especially in unstable terrains. Authorities have promised to investigate other potential risky spots where locals might venture for similar purposes.
This heartbreaking event serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by rural communities in their daily struggles, underscoring the need for awareness and safer alternatives.