Patna: An overnight tragedy occurred in Manas Naya Panapur village in Danapur on the outskirts of Patna when the roof of a house collapsed, killing five family members.
According to local residents, the incident occurred when the family was sleeping after dinner on Sunday evening. “A loud noise woke up the entire neighborhood,” said panchayat chief Vakil Rai. “When people reached Bablu Khan's house, the roof had completely collapsed. With much effort, the bodies of all five family members were recovered from the rubble.”
The victims were identified as members of the household of Bablu Khan, the sole breadwinner of the family. Villagers said Khan's house, built a few years ago under the government's housing program, had visible cracks in the walls and roof. The building was reportedly in a dilapidated condition, but the family could not afford the repairs due to financial constraints.
Officials confirmed that the roof collapse was related to the poor condition of the house. “The bodies have been sent for autopsy and an administrative investigation has been initiated,” said the local officer of the station.
The tragedy has sparked grief and anger in the village, with residents demanding immediate compensation and structural surveys of similar houses in the flood-prone Diara region. “There are many such houses which have weakened over time,” said former panchayat chief CP Singh. “The government must act quickly to prevent another disaster like this.”
District officials said a report seeking relief measures has been sent to the Patna administration. Villagers held a prayer vigil at the site on Sunday evening, remembering the deceased as a close-knit family who lived modestly and were highly respected in the community.
The accident has again raised questions about the durability of government-built homes in flood-prone regions of Bihar, where many families continue to live in unsafe conditions.