House collapse kills two in Howrah

A huge concrete cornice from an old house suddenly crashed onto the narrow lane in Nijbalia area in Jagatballavpur, Howrah. Sixty-five-year-old Niranjan Ghosh and 36-year-old Deb Santra, both local residents simply walking past, were buried under tons of debris before anyone could shout a warning. Neighbours heard the thunderous crack, ran out, and found the two men lifeless under the dust and broken bricks. Despite frantic efforts to pull them free, both died on the spot from severe injuries.

As per reports, the house, abandoned for years and already leaning dangerously, had been a worry for locals who had repeatedly asked the owners to repair or demolish it. Locals say cracks had widened after the monsoon season, yet nothing was done. Angry crowds quickly gathered, shouting slogans and blocking the road, blaming the absentee landlord for the tragedy. Tension rose fast, forcing Jagatballavpur police to rush extra forces to calm the situation and prevent violence.

The bodies were sent for post-mortem while officers began recording statements. As time advances, the lane wore a mournful silence—marigold garlands placed on the blood-stained spot, women weeping quietly, and children kept indoors. Families of the two victims Niranjan and Deb are completely shattered and numb due to this trafic incident. Police probe underway. For Nijbalia area in Jagatballavpur, today’s horror is a grim reminder that old, neglected buildings can kill just as surely as any accident on the highway.