Palakkad: Kerala Minister for Welfare of SC, ST and Backwards Classes, O R Kelu, has ordered a departmental inquiry following the tragic death of two children after the sunshade of an under-construction house collapsed in Palakkad.

The incident claimed the lives of tribal siblings Aadi (7) and Ajnesh (4) from the Karuvara settlement while they were playing near the site.

Minister Kelu said stringent action would be taken if negligence by officials was found to be a factor in the tragedy.

“Here is an allegation that the officials of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) in Attappadi had not paid much attention to the construction of the house,” Kelu told reporters.

The children’s mother stated that prompt access to a vehicle for hospital transport might have saved at least one of the lives.

"A report has been sought in this regard from the ITDP official in Attappadi. We will get a clear picture about what had happened as we receive the report," the minister said. The minister added that departmental action will be initiated if any negligence is confirmed.

PTI inputs