Babat Toman, KOTABARI.COM – A horrifying tragedy struck the Babat district, Toman sub-district, Muba, in the early hours of Wednesday (8/5). At 03:00 AM, a 20-meter high concrete wall suddenly collapsed, crushing a semi-permanent house in the area while its occupants were fast asleep. As a result, one person died, and nine others sustained injuries of varying degrees.
According to Babat Toman Muba Police Chief, AKP Ramayudha, the deceased victim was identified as Nurmala (47). Meanwhile, the nine other victims suffered from various injuries, ranging from minor wounds to serious bruises. One of them is an 8-year-old boy named Putra Ibrahim.
The police immediately took action by conducting a rapid assessment of the victims and providing necessary medical treatment at the Babat Toman Community Health Center. The body of Nurmala has been laid to rest by her family.
The chronology of events revealed that the collapse of the concrete wall occurred during heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in the area. Preliminary suspicions suggest that weak foundation and excessive height of the wall may have contributed to its collapse.
The house that was struck by the concrete was inhabited by three families, totaling ten individuals. The structure measured 6 x 13 meters, with walls made of wood and a roof of corrugated iron and palm leaves.
Aside from claiming a life and causing injuries, the tragedy also resulted in significant material losses, estimated at around Rp 50 million. These losses include the destruction of a Honda Blade motorcycle, three mobile phones, valuable documents, and household furnishings.
Although no official reports regarding these losses have been made to the police yet, local authorities are prepared to mediate between the victims and the owner of the collapsed concrete wall. This is expected to facilitate a fair and comprehensive resolution to the issue.
At present, police forces continue to provide security around the incident site, while investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collapse of the wall that struck the residents’ house.