Bengaluru: 7 dead, several injured in hospital wall collapse amid heavy rain
text_fields
Bengaluru: At least seven people were feared dead after a compound wall of the government-run Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital collapsed during heavy rain, hail and a thunderstorm that lashed parts of Bengaluru on Wednesday evening. The toll may rise, officials said.
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, who represents the Shivajinagar constituency where the incident occurred, confirmed that seven persons were killed. “I just got the information that seven others are injured, and no one is critical. I am in shock. We are all shocked. I am going to the spot, and I will speak further after reaching there. It was an old compound, and it didn’t look weak. Those responsible will be brought to book,” he said.
The office of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the incident, stating that he visited the site at Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar, where seven people lost their lives.
Authorities said around 11 people who were trapped under the collapsed wall were rescued and admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treatment. The Chief Minister reached the hospital premises and was briefed on the situation.
According to preliminary information, at least seven people, including three children, are feared dead after being trapped beneath the debris. Officials from the hospital and police were yet to issue a detailed statement.
The compound wall, constructed of cement and bricks and located near the accident ward gate, gave way during the intense downpour. Initial reports also suggested that one more person was in critical condition.
Most of the victims were roadside vendors, while the children were reportedly present with their families due to the summer vacation. Two women are also among the deceased.
Police, fire department and emergency services personnel rushed to the scene and launched debris clearance and rescue operations. Further details are awaited.
Reacting to the incident, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said in Kanakapura that he would verify the details and visit the site. “I will postpone my programme and return after May 4. I am going to visit the spot,” he said.
Seemanth Kumar Singh has also rushed to the spot.
The heavy rain, which lasted for nearly an hour, caused widespread disruption across the city, leading to waterlogging on several arterial roads. Parked vehicles were damaged after tree branches fell on them. While residents initially welcomed the rainfall after over a month of intense heat, the prolonged downpour soon turned disruptive.
Rainwater also entered the Banashankari Metro Station, inundating the ticket counter area.
According to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) command and control centre, at least 50 trees were uprooted across the city. Authorities have urged dissemination of information through electronic media to alert the public about road blockages.
With IANS inputs