4 of family killed after roof collapses amid heavy rain, strong winds in Karnataka

VIJAYAPURA: Four members of a family were killed after the roof of their old rented house collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district, police said on Friday.The victims were identified as Gurunath Badigera (35), his wife Jyoti Badigera (28), and their two children, Kalamma Badigera (13) and Kirti Badigera (9).The incident took place in Moratagi village under Alamela taluk of Vijayapura district, officials said.According to police, the family had been staying in the old rented house while renovation work was being carried out at their own home. The tragedy occurred on Thursday night when the roof collapsed amid heavy rain and strong winds.A senior police officer said all four family members were asleep when the roof suddenly caved in, trapping them under the debris. They died on the spot.Teams from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, along with police personnel, rushed to the scene and carried out rescue operations to recover the bodies.Police said the incident took place within the jurisdiction of Sindagi Police Station. Senior officers visited the spot and inspected the area. Further investigation is underway.Meanwhile, calling the incident tragic and horrifying, B Y Vijayendra urged the state government to announce adequate compensation for the victims’ family. He also appealed to district administrations across Karnataka to identify dilapidated houses and buildings and take preventive measures to avoid similar incidents."The collapse of a house roof due to heavy rains, burying an entire family of four alive, is truly a cruel twist of fate. I pray to god that the departed souls find peace and that their loved ones are granted the strength to bear this sorrow," he said in a post on 'X'. (With agency inputs)