A tragic incident struck Kapasuda village under Jaleswar police station on Sunday night, when the wall of a neighbouring house collapsed amid flood conditions, killing an elderly woman and her grandson and leaving several others injured.
According to reports, Radhika Jena (65) and her grandson Jyoti Prakash Swain (18) died instantly when the wall of houses belonging to Banshidhar Jena and Gangadhar Jena caved in around 9:30 pm, crashing onto the asbestos roof of their home. Jyoti’s twin sister Smruti Rekha Swain (18) sustained critical injuries and has been referred for advanced treatment.
At the time of the collapse, Radhika’s son Uttam (31), daughter‑in‑law Debirani (25), and two young granddaughters — Ananya (5) and Aaradhya (2 months) — were also inside. Uttam and baby Aaradhya were injured, while household belongings were destroyed under the debris.
Local officials, including Jaleswar BDO Gouranga Charan Ghosh, visited the injured at GK Bhatter Hospital and assured support. Political leaders also reached the site to assess the situation.
The tragedy underscores the risks posed by flood‑weakened structures in rural Odisha, with residents urging authorities to take preventive measures to avoid further loss of life.
