A routine preparation for the upcoming Holi festival ended in unimaginable horror for five women in Sonbhadra’s Kirwani forest. On Monday morning, a massive mud embankment caved in, leading to the deaths of three and injuring two others in Uttar Pradesh’s eastern district.
The women had ventured into the Myorpur area to gather soil for home plastering—a tradition deeply embedded in rural life. Disaster struck abruptly, engulfing them entirely. Quick action from Dial 112 responders mobilized police, firefighters, and local officials to the remote location.
Intensive rescue efforts freed Phool Kumari and Najimun Nisha, who were immediately hospitalized in critical condition. Sadly, Sadiqunisha, Anisha Khatoon, and Seeta could not be saved. Their bodies were transported to Dudhi for autopsy, while police secured the perimeter.
District SP Abhishek Verma detailed the response: ‘Upon the alert, all emergency units converged. We’ve confirmed the site is clear of further entrapments and notified next of kin. Vigilance will extend to other mud collection spots.’
The forest echoed with sorrow as families arrived, grappling with profound loss. This tragedy exposes vulnerabilities in rural resource gathering, prompting urgent calls for safety guidelines and community education on terrain hazards.
In the wake of this calamity, Sonbhadra’s administration vows comprehensive measures to avert repeats, blending grief with a resolve for preventive action.