The 400-years-old wall of the Rajgarh Fort partially collapsed in Madhya Pradesh: at least 7 fatalities

The wall of the Rajgarh Fort in Datia, India partially collapsed on Thursday, September 12 approximately at 4 a.m. local time, resulting in at least 7 casualties while 2 others were injured. It is said that three of the casualties were children. Specifically, a 35-metre-long section of the wall collapsed and buried two houses underneath the debris. Officials stated that the 400-year-old wall consisted of large blocks which gave way and destroyed the houses that were located near the fort.

In addition, according to the authorities, the police and the rescue teams arrived promptly at the site. However, they pointed out that the rescue operation was difficult as they could not use heavy machinery due to restricted access to the area. As for the reason of the collapse, they suggest that the wall collapsed due to heavy rainfall and extreme weather in the region.

Authorities, also, expressed fears for further collapse of the fort’s wall and they are planning to evacuate the area as 1,000 houses are built next to it. Particularly, they stated that they will assess the at-risk houses, and if it is necessary they will demolish them to ensure public safety. Mohan Yadav the chief Minister expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and ruled financial aid for them. Moreover, he ordered the government personnel to be alerted and on duty until the weather stabilized and the risk of another catastrophic incident decreased.