Punjab: In Khanna, three of family die as roof collapses, 11-year-old survives

The deceased were identified as Surjit Singh (37), his wife Balwinder Kaur (35) and their son Gurpreet Singh (9). The couple’s daughter Simranjeet Kaur (11) survived.

Simranjeet told police that as the roof collapsed, his father screamed and told everyone to move out but they were buried under the debris. She said she was sitting on her mother’s lap, and that her mother tried to shield her.

Simranjeet Kaur lost her father, mother and younger brother in the mishap.

Inspector Baljinder Singh, SHO, Khanna Sadar police station, said Simranjeet was discharged after treatment and was handed over to her extended family members who live in the same village.

Some villagers claimed that the administration did not reach the spot in time. Inspector Baljiner denied the claims.

Gian Singh, brother of deceased Surjit Singh, said his brother was a driver and had already started reconstruction of the old building. Two rooms had been demolished and they were living in one room.

Khanna SDM Sandeep Singh said a report will be sent to get compensation for the girl.

One electrocuted

Meanwhile, a 70-year old man was electrocuted to death in Karimpura Bazaar of Old City area in Ludhiana late Saturday. As it was raining heavily, Ramesh Behl was trying to pull down the iron shutters of his shop when there was a spark. He died on the spot.