In a tragic incident in Bengaluru, seven people lost their lives and seven others were injured after a wall of a city hospital collapsed following heavy rains. The deceased include two women, four men, and a young girl, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Vikram Amathe.
Details of the Incident
The wall collapse occurred at a hospital in the eastern part of Bengaluru late on Monday evening. The area had been experiencing continuous downpour for the past two days, which weakened the structure. Rescue operations were immediately launched, and the injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities. Three of the seven injured are natives of Kerala who were visiting Bengaluru for medical treatment.
Government Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. He also directed officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care and that the hospital authorities are held accountable if negligence is found.
Investigation Underway
The city police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to the collapse. Structural engineers have been called in to assess the safety of other buildings in the vicinity. The hospital management has been asked to cooperate with the investigation.
Community in Mourning
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents demanding stricter enforcement of building codes, especially during the monsoon season. The city has witnessed several such tragedies in the past, raising questions about the safety of aging infrastructure.
Compensation and Support
In addition to the ex-gratia, the state government has promised all necessary support to the families of the victims. The injured are being treated at government hospitals, and their medical expenses will be borne by the state.
The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban residents during extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any unsafe structures to the local municipal corporation.
