Fort Wall Collapse in Madhya Pradesh Claims Three Lives; Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Bhopal: In Datia district, Madhya Pradesh, the collapse of a wall from an old, abandoned fort has resulted in three fatalities. Two individuals have been rescued, but six to eight more are still trapped under the debris.

Details of the Incident

The collapse occurred at around 4 a.m. when local residents, out for a morning walk, discovered the devastation. The fort, known as ‘Rajgarh Ka Quila,’ had been in a dilapidated state for several years. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud noise before witnessing the wall collapse. The trapped individuals were heard screaming for help, prompting immediate rescue efforts by locals.

Former Minister Narottam Mishra confirmed that he had contacted Datia District Collector Veerendra Kumar Mishra and SP Sandeep Makeen regarding the situation.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

The rescue operation is being led by local police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Video footage from the scene shows that the operation is ongoing but is hampered by the encroachment around the fort. The area is crowded, making it difficult for rescue equipment to access the site. A JCB machine, necessary for clearing the debris, has been unable to reach the location due to space constraints.

Local MLA Rajendra Bharti has also arrived at the scene to oversee the rescue efforts and provide support.

Challenges and Response

The collapse of the century-old structure has highlighted concerns about the condition of historical buildings in the area. Efforts to clear the debris are progressing slowly, but the challenging conditions have complicated the rescue operation. The community remains hopeful that the remaining trapped individuals will be successfully rescued soon.