Victims, including children, were sheltering near the wall when it gave way amid strong winds
At least seven people, including three children, lost their lives after a compound wall at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital collapsed during heavy rain and gusty winds in Bengaluru on Wednesday, police officials said.
The tragic incident occurred on the hospital premises when several people had gathered near the wall to protect themselves from the downpour. According to the police, the old structure suddenly gave way under the impact of the severe weather, burying those standing nearby under the debris. All seven victims died on the spot before rescue teams could reach them.
Rescue teams rushed to the spot
Soon after the collapse, police personnel and emergency responders arrived at the site with heavy machinery to clear the debris and recover the bodies. Local residents also joined the rescue effort.
Preliminary information from police sources indicated that many of the victims were street vendors who had been working in the area and had taken shelter near the hospital boundary wall when the accident happened.
Prime Minister announces ex gratia relief
Reacting to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims’ families.
In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister described the incident as unfortunate and said an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh would be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased victim, while those injured would receive Rs 50,000.
State leaders visit site
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the accident site and announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of those who died in the wall collapse.
The Chief Minister’s Office later confirmed that seven deaths had been officially recorded in the incident.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who also rushed to the location, said the collapsed structure was an old compound wall and termed the accident “very unfortunate.”
He added that out of the seven victims, five were street vendors, while two were residents of Kerala who had come to Bengaluru for business purposes.
Rain-related incidents raise concern
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of ageing public infrastructure in the city, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rain and strong winds often weaken already vulnerable structures.
