REASI: At least 20 people were injured when a traditional mud house collapsed during a marriage function in Malai Kot village of Mahore tehsil in Reasi district on Saturday night, officials said.
According to police officials, the incident took place at around 9:30 pm at the residence of Mohammad Ishaq, son of Jalal Din, where wedding celebrations were underway. A large number of relatives, guests and local residents had gathered at the house to participate in the function.
Preliminary reports indicate that the roof of the kaccha (mud) house suddenly caved in, allegedly due to the excessive load of people present inside the structure. The collapse triggered panic at the venue as guests rushed to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.
Local residents immediately launched rescue efforts and were later joined by police personnel from Mahore, who reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident.
Around 20 persons sustained injuries of varying degrees and were shifted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Mahore for treatment. Hospital authorities said that most of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while six to seven persons remain under medical observation and treatment. Their condition is reported to be stable and out of danger.
The collapse also resulted in the death of two cattle, reports said.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident, while local authorities have begun assessing the extent of the damage caused by the collapse.
The incident has highlighted concerns regarding the structural safety of traditional mud houses, particularly during large gatherings and social functions where a significant number of people assemble within confined spaces.
