Five members of a family, including three children and a newborn, died after a branch of a peepal tree fell on their house during a storm in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district, officials said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred around 2 am in Rewasi village of the district, they said.
Confirming the incident, Sub Divisional Officer (Sitarmarhi Sadar) Anand Kumar said, “A heavy branch of a peepal tree crashed onto the mud house of Sikandar Sahni during strong winds and rain early Tuesday. The occupants were trapped under the debris."
The deceased have been identified as Sikandar Sahni’s wife, Pooja Devi (32) and the couple’s four children, all aged under 10 years, including a newborn.
Sikandar Sahni sustained injuries in the incident and has received medical treatment, officials said.
Riga MLA Baidyanath Prasad visited the bereaved family and expressed condolences.
A statement issued by the MLA’s office said Prasad has directed concerned officials to ensure prompt disbursal of government assistance and completion of all necessary formalities.
