Neighbour seeks support for orphaned 9-year-old who survived Delhi roof collapse

The roof of a one-storey house caved in, trapping Tinku, 32, and his wife Urmila, 30, beneath the debris. They were pulled out and rushed to a hospital, but were declared brought dead by doctors.The incident took place in JP Nagar under the New Usmanpur police station limits, where the roof of a one-storey house caved in. A nine-year-old boy narrowly escaped death after stepping out to play moments before the roof of his rented home collapsed in northeast Delhi, killing both his parents. The incident on Sunday night left the child orphaned and in trauma.A neighbour who witnessed the incident has urged the government to support the boy's education and future, while police said his relatives were contacted soon after the collapse. According to the neighbour, the child's aunt in Uttar Pradesh will now take responsibility for raising him.The incident took place in JP Nagar under the New Usmanpur police station limits, where the roof of a one-storey house caved in. Tinku, 32, and his wife Urmila, 30, were trapped under the debris. They were pulled out and rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared them brought dead.Manish Kumar, a neighbour who lives nearby, said he was sitting outside his house when the incident happened. "I saw the child leave the house to play with his friends. Moments later, the entire roof collapsed," Kumar said. He said police took the child to a police station, where he was given food, water and care while officers contacted his relatives. "The police informed his family members immediately. We have now learnt that his aunt in Uttar Pradesh will take responsibility for raising him," Kumar said.Calling the incident heartbreaking, Kumar appealed to the government to help the boy. "He has lost both his parents in a single night. His father was a sweet maker (halwai). The government should ensure he gets proper education and an opportunity to lead a good life," he said. Police had earlier said the exact cause of the collapse was yet to be ascertained. A case under Sections 290 (negligent conduct) and 106(1) (causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered against house owner Virender Kumar, and further investigation is under way.The collapse killed the boy's parents within moments of his stepping out to play, while neighbours said his relatives have now taken charge of his care and police continue to investigate the cause of the incident.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 5, 2026 10:16 IST