Collapsed portion of arch weighed 70 kgs, had absorbed rainwater
Picture used for representational purpsose. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad: A four-year-old girl and her mother were killed when an arch in an old building collapsed in Dabeerpura in the old city on Sunday morning. The arch had absorbed rain water from the heavy downpour over the past few days. It collapsed when the victims were asleep. The house is more than five decades old and those living there were told to vacate, but they did not do so.
The victims are Rehana Begum, 32, and her daughter Mahamoona. They had come to stay with Rehana’s sister, Zahera Begum, at her house in Taskare Muskurath in Bharathnagar a fortnight ago. On Sunday around 3.30 am, while all of them were asleep, the arch-collapsed and fell on them.
“Rehana and her daughter were sleeping right under it. Her sister and other family members were further away. A portion of the arch, measuring around two feet, fell on Rehana’s stomach and Mahamoona’s abdomen and thigh, resulting in grave injuries. They were rushed to Osmania General Hospital, where they died while undergoing treatment,” said K.B. Vijay Bhaskar Reddy, investigating officer, Dabeerpura police station.
The house, which was constructed of limestone, mud and bricks, had developed numerous cracks and was in a dilapidated condition. “The portion of the arch that fell on them weighed about 70 kg and was wet. It had absorbed rain water and we suspect this led to the mishap,” said inspector Mattaiah of the Dabeerpura police station
Municipal officials had warned the residents to vacate the place three months ago. “Had they vacated, the mishap would have been avoided,” said Mr Mattaiah.
Ms Zehara Begum said she had planned on moving and hadselected a new home, but the tragedy struck before she could do so.
A case of suspicious death was registered under Section 174 of the CrPC. The bodies of the victims were handed over to the family after an autopsy.
( Source : dc )
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