Enarada, Mangalore, June 18, 2013:
The heavy rains lashing the district over the past few days resulted in a tragedy that claimed four lives of a family and injuring five others. The incident occurred at Thottilugundi under Bajpe limits when the compound wall collapsed on the two houses Tuesday morning, June 18, 2013. The deceased have been identified as Sundar (62), Sundari (60), Baby (50) and Chaitra(13). The collapsed house belonged to one Shekar who was also among the injured.
According to the neighbours when the wall collapsed a girl who was staying there alerted the neighbours who immediately rushed to the rescue of those trapped inside the house in the debris. The rescue work was difficult because the three sides of the wall had collapsed completely.
According to sources, the compound wall belonged to a commercial complex situated near the house but at a higher level. Neighbours say that they had complained to the DC and to the panchayat about the danger posed by the wall as there was no outlet for the rainwater, leading to the weakening of the wall and its collapse. But there has been no action whatsoever leading to the tragedy.
Home Minister K J George, ministers Abaychandra Jain and district in charge minister Ramanth Rai visited the spot. K J George announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 1.5 lac to the kin of the family of the deceased. The members of the families are asked temporarily to shift to the second floor of the Panchayat building lying vacant.
Bajpe police have registered a case and are investigating.
