A major tragedy was narrowly averted on Sunday evening after a portion of a 150-year-old, two-story building collapsed in the Damodarpur area under Ward No. 12 of Baleshwar town, completely blocking the local thoroughfare.
The incident occurred around 7:35 PM when one side of the ancient residential structure caved in, sending debris crashing onto the street below. While no injuries or casualties were reported, the structural debris has left the road entirely impassable to vehicle traffic and pedestrians.
The historic building had sheltered five generations of a local family. However, two branches of the family had moved away several years ago, leaving portions of the property vacant and unmaintained. Over time, large banyan trees took root within the brickwork, their thick roots wrapping around the masonry and severely undermining the integrity of the walls.
Local Councillor Anidya Kumar Panda alleged that the disaster was entirely preventable. Panda stated that he had repeatedly drawn the attention of the Municipal Executive Officer to the looming hazard, urging official intervention before the structure gave way. He blamed administrative inaction for the eventual collapse.
Residents living nearby share the anxiety. B. Jagdish Prasad (65), who lives in an adjacent, intact portion of the property, noted that the collapsed side belonged to co-sharers who no longer reside there. “The structure was severely weakened and finally gave out,” Prasad said.
With the remaining section of the building standing precariously and at risk of further collapse, panicked residents are demanding an immediate demolition drive by the local administration.
