Sambalpur: A woman and her minor daughter were killed while her disabled husband and a nephew were left battling for life after a portion of a wall of their thatched house caved in on them while they were asleep Saturday night at Dengasargi Canalpada village under Ainthapali police limits in the district.
Locals said, the woman and the girl were buried under the debris and suffocated while also suffering severe head injuries. The girl’s father, Karthik Pradhan, and the relative, however, managed to come out of the debris, but their condition remains critical.
The deceased have been identified as Chanchala Pradhan (55) and her daughter Bhagya Pradhan (17).
The injured were first admitted to the district headquarters hospital (DHH). After preliminary treatment, they were shifted to Burla-based VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) for further treatment as their condition worsened.
On receipt of information, Sadar additional tehsildar Manash Ranjan Swain along with revenue officials reached the village and took stock of the situation. He also provided compensation of Rs 10,000 from Red Cross.
A case of unnatural death was registered and the bodies sent for autopsy.
According to sources, Chanchala was the sole bread-earner for the family as Karthik was disabled. She was assisted by Bhagya who did odd jobs and household chores to extend a helping hand to her mother.
The incident occurred at 1 am Sunday while the family was asleep. A portion of an adjoining under-construction house suddenly collapsed on their house due to rain bringing the wall down on them. While Chanchala died on the spot, her daughter succumbed on way to hospital.
Police have started an investigation.
PNN