House collapse in MP's Singrauli kills 3 of a family, 5 injured
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A kutcha (mud-and-brick) house collapsed on a sleeping family in Barahpan village under the Kotwali police station area of Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh, on the night of 10 November 2025, killing three people and leaving five others injured. The victims — trapped under the debris after the two-storey traditional mud structure caved in — were identified by police officials.
Who Was Killed and Who Was Injured
The three deceased have been identified as Arun Vishwakarma (36), his mother Santuliya (65), and his two-year-old daughter. All eight members of the family were inside when the structure collapsed.
The five injured — Belamati, Sudarshan Vishwakarma, Roshni, Deepak (son of the deceased Arun), and Ajay Vishwakarma — include women and children. They are currently receiving treatment at Baidhan local government hospital and a private hospital in the area.
How the Collapse Unfolded
According to police, the family had retired for the night after dinner when the structure gave way. Officials said one of the walls had already developed a visible crack and was reportedly making creaking sounds. The family had reportedly sensed the danger and intended to carry out repairs the following day, but the entire structure collapsed before they could act.
Belamati was buried under the rubble along with four children; neighbours managed to dig them out. Her husband, Arun, and other family members were trapped deeper inside and could not escape. Bodies and survivors were recovered by around 1 am.
Rescue and Relief Operations
Villagers and an administrative team launched an immediate rescue operation deploying earthmoving machines to clear the debris. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate and police officers reached the site and supervised relief efforts through the night to ensure no one remained trapped.
Local authorities have called for greater attention to housing safety in such traditional settlements. The Madhya Pradesh state government has not officially announced any ex gratia payment for the affected family as of the time of reporting.
Investigation and Background
Police are investigating the precise cause of the collapse. Notably, kutcha houses — typically constructed with mud walls, country-brick, and thatched or light-weight roofing — are structurally vulnerable to seasonal wear, moisture damage, and load-bearing stress over time. Incidents of such collapses are reported periodically across central and northern India, particularly after the monsoon season weakens earthen structures.
This comes amid broader concerns about the pace of rural housing upgrades under government schemes. The administration has stated it is providing necessary support to the affected family as authorities assess next steps.