Two construction workers died on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when a house they were repairing collapsed in Kottalagi village of Athani taluk, Belagavi district, Karnataka. The deceased have been identified as Krishnappa Badiger, 48, and Syed Kempavadi, 32. The incident occurred as the workers were undertaking repairs on a house belonging to Lakshmibai Nandagonda, which had developed leaks due to continuous rainfall over the past week.
The collapse happened suddenly, trapping the two workers under the debris. Emergency services were alerted, but the workers succumbed to their injuries at the scene before they could be extricated. Preliminary investigations suggest that the continuous rainfall in the region over the preceding week may have weakened the structure of the house, contributing to the collapse.
Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident. A case of death due to negligence is being considered against the property owner and any responsible parties involved in the repair work. The incident highlights the precarious conditions faced by construction and repair workers, particularly during adverse weather, and raises concerns about the structural integrity of older buildings subjected to prolonged periods of heavy rain.
The bodies of Krishnappa Badiger and Syed Kempavadi have been shifted to the local government hospital for post-mortem examination. Officials from the taluk administration and police visited the site to assess the situation and gather evidence. The community in Kottalagi village has been left in shock by the tragic event, with many expressing concern over the safety standards in local construction and repair activities.
The Chenab Times News Desk