Elderly couple killed in mud house collapse in Sundargarh
An elderly couple died after their mud house collapsed in Sundargarh district following heavy rains, police said.
An elderly couple was killed after their dilapidated mud house collapsed overnight Thursday into Friday in Ranto-Birkera, under Brahmani Tarang police limits in Sundargarh district. Tenga Kispotta, 72, and his wife Mahi Kispotta, 74, were found dead by their daughter-in-law after the house gave way.
The mud house was dilapidated and had weakened after several days of heavy rain, police said.
Their daughter-in-law discovered the bodies Friday morning after the collapse.
The incident occurred in Ranto-Birkera under Brahmani Tarang police limits in Sundargarh district. The couple were identified as Tenga Kispotta (72) and Mahi Kispotta (74).
Police said the couple’s mud house had weakened following heavy rains over the past several days. Tenga and his wife used to stay in the dilapidated house while other family members lived around 200 metres away.
Investigation revealed that after dinner on Thursday night, the couple went to sleep. On Friday morning, their daughter-in-law found them trapped dead under the debris of their collapsed house.
Police said on being informed, a team reached the village and sent the bodies for postmortem. An unnatural death case has been registered.
The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of aging housing structures in rural Odisha, particularly during periods of prolonged rainfall. Local residents noted that the house had shown signs of deterioration for weeks, with cracks appearing in the walls and sagging in the roof. Despite these visible warnings, the couple continued to reside there, preferring the proximity to their agricultural fields and the familiarity of their longtime home.
Authorities have urged villagers to report unsafe dwellings and have pledged to assess similar structures in the surrounding area to prevent further incidents. The postmortem examination is expected to confirm the cause of death as traumatic injuries resulting from the collapse, though officials have already classified the case as unnatural death pending the final report.
Community members expressed sorrow over the loss, describing Tenga and Mahi as hardworking individuals who were well known in the village for their kindness and willingness to help neighbours. The daughter-in-law, who discovered the bodies, said she had gone to check on them after noticing the house was unusually quiet that morning, only to find the structure reduced to a pile of mud and timber.
As of the latest update on 05 Sep 2026 at 3:26 am, the investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to interview family members and neighbours to gather additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collapse.
Related Coverage
How many people died in the house collapse?
Two people, an elderly couple, died.
Where did the house collapse occur?
In Ranto-Birkera under Brahmani Tarang police limits in Sundargarh district.
What caused the house to collapse?
Heavy rains over several days weakened the dilapidated mud house.
When were the bodies taken for postmortem?
After police were informed, they sent the bodies for postmortem.
What case was registered by the police?
An unnatural death case was registered.
How far were other family members living from the house?
Other family members lived about 200 metres away.
Who identified the deceased?
Police identified the couple as Tenga Kispotta (72) and Mahi Kispotta (74).
When did the incident occur?
The collapse occurred overnight Thursday into Friday.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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