Three of Kanpur Family Killed as Ageing House Roof Gives Way, 21-Day-Old Baby Among Victims

Kanpur: A family in Kanpur suffered an unimaginable tragedy early Sunday when the roof of two rooms in their house suddenly caved in, crushing three occupants, including a newborn barely three weeks old.

One other family member was pulled out alive but sustained critical injuries and remains under medical care.

The incident occurred at around 8 am in the Panki Padav locality, where the family members were inside the house when the structure gave way.

The collapse reportedly happened without warning, leaving those inside trapped beneath heavy debris.

The deceased have been identified as 60-year-old Vinodini Shukla, her 28-year-old daughter-in-law Anshika Shukla, and Anshika’s 21-day-old son, Aarav.

Harsh Shukla, 32, Vinodini’s son and Anshika’s husband, survived the collapse but suffered serious injuries.

The tragedy has raised concerns about the condition of the residential structure. According to preliminary police findings, the affected portion of the house was old and had reportedly required additional support in several places.

Wooden beams had been installed to reinforce the weakened roof, indicating that the building had been showing signs of deterioration.

Neighbours and police launch desperate rescue effort

The sound of the collapse brought residents rushing towards the house. After receiving information, police personnel also reached the location and joined residents in removing the fallen material.

The rescue operation focused on locating all four occupants believed to be trapped inside. After considerable effort, rescuers managed to pull them out from beneath the debris and arrange their immediate transportation to a nearby hospital.

Doctors pronounced Vinodini, Anshika and the infant dead on arrival. Harsh was admitted in a critical condition and continues to receive treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kanpur West) S M Qasim Abidi confirmed that the accident took place in the Panki Padav area at approximately 8 am.

Family’s livelihood and circumstances under investigation

Harsh, who runs an electrical goods shop in the neighbourhood, had married Anshika four years ago, according to Panki police station in-charge Dinesh Singh.

Following the incident, the authorities completed the preliminary legal formalities and sent the three bodies for post-mortem examinations. The medical findings are awaited.

Police and administrative officials subsequently inspected the damaged house and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

Investigators are examining the building’s condition, including the reported use of wooden supports, to determine why the roof failed and whether structural deterioration was responsible.

The investigation is continuing as the locality mourns the loss of three members of the same family, including a baby who had been born just 21 days earlier.