Bengaluru: In yet another tragic incident highlighting the dangers of ageing structures in the city, a five-year-old girl lost her life when a compound wall and gate collapsed in Dwarakanagar near Chikkabanavara in western Bengaluru on Friday evening. The incident occurred just days after a compound wall collapse at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital claimed seven lives, sparking concerns over structural safety.
Victims and Circumstances
The deceased has been identified as I Gousia, who died after a portion of a compound wall and gate gave way while she and her younger sister, I Shakila, were playing near their rented house. Shakila sustained injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital.
According to police, the sisters—daughters of fruit vendor Imam Ramiza and his homemaker wife—were playing with neighbourhood children around 5 pm when the accident occurred. The children were reportedly climbing the compound wall and stepping on the gate when the small pillar connecting the gate and wall suddenly gave way.
Details of the Incident
"The structure collapsed, throwing the two girls to the ground. Both suffered head injuries and were rushed to hospital, where Gousia later succumbed," an officer said. Cops from Chikkabanavara police station have registered a case of unnatural death report (UDR). Police said further action against the house owner, Ravi Shankar, for alleged negligence would depend on a formal complaint from the victim's family.
This incident has once again raised questions about the safety of ageing infrastructure in Bengaluru. The recent collapse at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital had already put authorities on alert, but this latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for inspections and maintenance of old structures across the city.
Local residents expressed grief and anger, demanding accountability from property owners and stricter enforcement of building safety norms. The family of the victims is yet to file a formal complaint, but police are awaiting their decision to proceed with legal action against the house owner.
