India, Aug. 13 -- Two children were killed and three members of their family critically injured when their house collapsed in Reethad village early Monday following heavy rain, police said on Tuesday.

The incident took place between 1am and 1.30am while the family of nine, including a couple and their seven children, were asleep. The deceased were identified as Umar, 12, and Nayra, 7. The injured were Mohammad Salim, 31; his wife, Farhana, 28; and their son, Salman, 5, police said.

Four minor daughters escaped unhurt after debris was blocked from falling on them by a broken iron beam, police added. Neighbours, alerted by a loud noise, were first to respond, removing rubble with bare hands and calling the police control room.

Inspector ...