At least 9 kids killed after wall collapses during religious event in Madhya Pradesh

Nine children lost their lives after a wall collapsed on them during a religious event in Madhya Pradesh's Sagar district on Sunday. Four other children were injured and are in critical condition.

The incident occurred in Shahpur, where children were making earthen Shivlings at the Hardayal temple as part of a religious event. The collapse happened due to heavy rainfall, which caused the wall of a nearby dilapidated house, estimated to be 50 years old, to give way.

Many children were participating in the event since their schools were closed for the Sunday holiday. Rescue efforts included the use of a bulldozer to remove debris and locate the trapped children.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for safety measures. Rahli MLA and former state minister Gopal Bhargava visited the site to assess the situation, accompanied by district administration and police officials.

The bodies of the deceased children were taken to Sagar District Hospital for post-mortem examinations. The incident has cast a pall of sorrow over the community, highlighting the urgent need to address structural safety issues in old buildings.