By BK Singh
Kaushambi (Uttar Pradesh), Monday: In a devastating incident that has shaken the residents of Tikardih village under Kokhraj police station limits in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, five women lost their lives and four others sustained injuries after a large mud mound collapsed on them while they were digging soil for domestic use on Monday morning.
The tragic event unfolded when a group of women gathered near a weakened mud mound to extract soil. In the area, it is common practice for villagers to collect mud, which is often used to plaster and maintain the walls of their huts.
According to police reports, the mound had already shown signs of instability, with visible cracks on its surface. Despite the apparent risk, the women proceeded with their activity, unaware of the imminent danger.
The victims who lost their lives in the incident have been identified as Lalita (28), Sunita (30), Uma (18), Kachrahi (60), and Khushi (20).
All five women were buried under the debris and died on the spot due to suffocation and impact injuries caused by the collapsing mound.
Four others were seriously injured in the incident. The injured individuals—Maina Devi (45), Sapna Devi (16), Aakrosh (35), and Lakshmi Devi (35)—were initially taken to the community health centre in Manjhanpur. Given the severity of their injuries, they were subsequently referred to Kaushambi Medical College for advanced medical care.
According to Station House Officer (SHO) Chandrabhooshan Maurya, the mound had become dangerously unstable and collapsed suddenly while the women were digging at its base.
“The structure had visible cracks and was weakened. During the digging process, a large section gave way and came crashing down, trapping the victims beneath tons of loose earth,” the SHO stated.
Local villagers, alarmed by the cries for help, rushed to the scene and began a frantic attempt to rescue those trapped.
However, their efforts proved insufficient due to the volume and weight of the mud. Rescue operations gained momentum after a JCB earthmover was brought in to clear the debris and retrieve the victims more effectively.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava confirmed that a group of eight to nine people had been involved in the digging when the tragedy occurred.
“They were carrying out their task when the mound suddenly collapsed, catching them completely off guard,” he said.
District Magistrate (DM) Madhusudan Hulgi visited the site of the accident shortly after receiving the report. He oversaw the rescue operation and ensured that medical assistance and other resources were promptly made available.
The DM also met with the grieving families of the deceased, offering them words of comfort and assurances of government support.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sirathu, Yogesh Gaur, also arrived at the village to assess the situation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance to the families affected by the calamity. “We are coordinating with various departments to ensure that compensation and support reach the victims without delay,” he said.
Expressing profound sorrow over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and instructed district officials to expedite relief efforts.
He emphasized the importance of ensuring proper medical treatment for the injured and directed authorities to leave no stone unturned in extending support to the victims.
The Chief Minister also announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.
The incident has sparked concern across the region, highlighting the need for better safety awareness and regulation in such practices that are commonly undertaken in rural areas. As investigations continue, officials are considering steps to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.