Wall Collapse Kills Two Children in Sirajganj

Tragedy struck Sirajganj Sadar Upazila on Sunday (25 January) when the wall of a handwashing basin at a local market collapsed, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuring two others. The incident occurred in Shaluyabhita Market in the Khokshabari Union during the late afternoon.

The deceased children have been identified as Rayhan Hossain (5), son of Faridul Islam, and Sumi Khatun (1.5), daughter of Sajib Sheikh, both from Char Shailabari village. The two injured children are Abir Hossain (2), son of Menhaj, and Sanjida Khatun (2), daughter of Samidul Islam, from the same area.

Eyewitnesses and relatives reported that the handwashing basin had been constructed by the Department of Public Health Engineering during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate hygiene in the busy market. Over time, the facility fell into disrepair and was left abandoned. On Sunday, the four children climbed onto the structure to play when the wall suddenly collapsed, trapping them underneath.

Local residents promptly rescued the children and rushed them to the Sirajganj 250-Bed General Hospital. Tragically, doctors declared Rayhan Hossain and Sumi Khatun deceased upon arrival, while the other two children are receiving treatment for injuries.

Sirajganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge, Shahidul Islam, confirmed that police were dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving reports. The bodies of the deceased children were handed over to their families.

Sirajganj Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Md. Mamun Khan, visited the site and announced financial assistance for the affected families. The families of the deceased children were each provided 40,000 BDT, totaling 80,000 BDT, while the families of the injured children received 10,000 BDT each, amounting to 20,000 BDT. A three-member investigation committee has been formed to determine the causes of the accident.

The following table summarises the key details of the incident:

Authorities have urged local communities to remain vigilant regarding abandoned structures, particularly in crowded areas, to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. The incident has sparked widespread concern over the maintenance and safety of public facilities across Sirajganj.