Three Lives Lost as Wall Collapses on Houses in Rajkot – A Tragic Incident near Bhadar River
In a devastating incident near the banks of Bhadar River in Jetpur town, approximately 70 km from Rajkot, three people, including two children, tragically lost their lives when a wall of a British-era structure collapsed onto three houses. The incident occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the death of two young girls – Meghna Makwana (10) and Siddhi Sasda (7) – as well as a 50-year-old woman named Jaya Makwana.
The collapse of the structure led to the unfortunate burial of eight individuals under the debris. Among the victims were Meghna’s 14-year-old sister Vandana, her father Ashok (33), Siddhi’s sister Riddhi (8), and her mother Sheetal (30).
According to Ashwin Gadhvi, the Chief Officer of Jetpur municipality, the constant flow of water caused by recent heavy rain near the structure washed away the earth beneath it, resulting in the weakening of the structure and subsequent collapse of the wall onto the houses.
Local residents also attributed the accident to the continuous seepage from an overhead water tank along with the heavy rainfall, which weakened the foundation of the wall.
Upon receiving the emergency call, a fire brigade team and 108 emergency ambulances swiftly arrived at the scene to commence the rescue operation. The five injured individuals were immediately transported to the Jetpur government hospital. Fortunately, doctors confirmed that their injuries are not severe.
Expressing his concern over the incident, local MLA Jayesh Radadiya promised to address the state government, seeking compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
This unfortunate incident is the second of its kind within a fortnight in Saurashtra. On June 23, four people lost their lives and five others were injured when a portion of a dilapidated three-storey residential building belonging to the Gujarat Housing Board (GHB) collapsed.
Following this incident, the Rajkot collector reported that 981 houses in the district have been identified as dilapidated, with a significant number of them located in Jetpur’s Trakudipara locality. Authorities have been actively issuing notices to residents inhabiting such structures, urging them to evacuate for their safety.
In adhering to journalistic integrity, it is vital to present a balanced view of the situation. Thus, it is crucial to understand that this unfortunate incident highlights the need for proper maintenance and inspection of structures, especially those constructed during the British era. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for authorities to promptly address dilapidated buildings to prevent future tragedies.
By prioritizing the safety and well-being of individuals, it is essential for local governments to allocate resources towards the identification and renovation of structures at risk. Ultimately, the aim should be to provide a secure living environment for residents and mitigate the potential hazards associated with aging infrastructure.
In conclusion, the wall collapse near Bhadar River in Jetpur town has led to the loss of three lives, including two innocent children. As the rescue and recovery efforts continue, it is incumbent upon authorities to address the structural vulnerabilities of buildings in the area, ensuring the safety of its residents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this tragic incident, and it serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of maintaining and safeguarding our built environment.
