Bengaluru Wall Collapse: Debris, Cricket Facility Caused Deaths

A government-appointed inquiry committee has identified construction debris, piled-up soil, and a nearby cricket practice facility as the reasons behind the collapse of the Bowring Hospital compound wall that killed seven people during heavy rain and strong winds in Bengaluru on April 29.

Inquiry Findings

The committee, led by Bengaluru Urban district deputy commissioner Jagadeesha G, found that a large quantity of construction debris had been dumped near the wall. Although the wall was about eight feet high, the debris had piled up to nearly six feet. Some soil and debris were also spread on a nearby cricket pitch. Heavy rain caused the debris to slide toward the wall, leading to its collapse, a source in the district administration told TOI.

The contractor and the engineer concerned failed to remove the debris in time, which was deemed serious negligence. The report has strongly recommended action against those responsible, the source added.

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Response from Officials

Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesha refused to divulge details of the probe, stating that a confidential report had been submitted to the government. Dr. Manoj Kumar H V, director-cum-dean of Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College and Research Institute (SABVMCRI), said he was unaware of the report's contents. However, he acknowledged that questions regarding the presence of a cricket training facility near the collapsed wall were raised during the committee's inspection.

The cricket training facility was set up at the request of students under a CSR initiative. The facility was located 17 feet from the collapsed wall. When we consulted the engineers, they assured us that anything beyond six feet would not compromise the safety of the wall, Dr. Manoj further said.