A tragic accident claimed the lives of two young cousins after a dilapidated boundary wall collapsed in Bihar's Bhojpur district on Saturday, police said. The accident happened in Ward No. 6 of Bihiya Nagar Parishad, under the jurisdiction of Bihiya Police Station in Bihar's Bhojpur district.
Their grandfather was also injured in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Shivansh Kumar (3), son of Sajan Rajak, and Ankit Kumar (2½), son of Rahul Rajak. Both children belonged to the same extended family and were residents of Ward No. 6.
According to an official, the two children were playing outside their home when the old and weakened boundary wall suddenly gave way, burying them under the debris. Their grandfather, Chhotak Rajak, who was nearby, also sustained injuries in the collapse.
Hearing the loud crash, local residents rushed to the spot and removed the debris in an attempt to rescue the victims. Shivansh died at the scene, while Ankit, who was critically injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite doctors' efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.
Shivansh was the third of four brothers, while Ankit was the only son of his parents, making the tragedy even more devastating for the two families. The deaths have plunged the entire neighborhood into mourning. The injured grandfather is currently undergoing treatment.
After receiving information about the incident, the Bihiya Police reached the spot and initiated an investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the dilapidated boundary wall. The bodies of the deceased children were sent for post-mortem examinations, and police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Officials have informed the Bhojpur District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, who have directed the authorities to take appropriate action. The process of providing compensation to the bereaved families has also been initiated. The tragic deaths of the two minor children have cast a pall of gloom over the entire village.
Grieving relatives and residents gathered at the victims' home to offer their condolences. Several local leaders also visited the village to express sympathy and stand by the bereaved families during this difficult time.