At least seven people, including two children, were killed and seven others were injured after a compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar collapsed as heavy rain lashed parts of Bengaluru on Wednesday evening.
Shivajinagar MLA Rizwan Arshad said the injured are being treated in hospitals. “Seven people have died and seven are injured. The condition of the injured is not critical,” he said.
The incident occurred around 5.30 pm when a sudden downpour, accompanied by thunder and lightning, swept through parts of the city. By 5.30 pm, the city recorded 78.0 mm of rainfall.
“Seven deaths have been confirmed by the CMO following the tragic wall collapse near the Bowring hospital premises,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said.
Authorities said the wall gave way onto people gathered along the footpath, including street vendors and pedestrians.
The government hospital is located in a densely populated area and sees heavy daily footfall. Vendors and small businesses frequently operate along its periphery, particularly near the footpaths adjoining the premises.
Eyewitnesses said people had gathered under tarpaulin sheets fixed along the wall moments before the incident as it was raining. “The rain was very heavy and winds were strong. People rushed to take shelter near the wall. Within seconds, it came crashing down,” a local said.
{{/usCountry}}Eyewitnesses said people had gathered under tarpaulin sheets fixed along the wall moments before the incident as it was raining. “The rain was very heavy and winds were strong. People rushed to take shelter near the wall. Within seconds, it came crashing down,” a local said.
{{/usCountry}}Residents and bystanders began rescue operations, pulling people from the debris before emergency services reached the spot. Several injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah visited the site in the evening and reviewed the situation with officials. “We have allowed street vendors to sell their products there,” he said.
He announced compensation of ₹5 lakh each for the families of those who died and said, “We will conduct an investigation, and if anyone is found responsible, action will be taken against them.”
Deputy chief minister D. K. Shivakumar said he had cut short a meeting after being informed of the incident and was on his way to the location. “I have spoken to the Commissioner of Police, that’s why I have cut off the meeting, and I am going to the spot immediately. I will see how we can help and what has to be done,” he said.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticised the government, calling the incident preventable. “The loss of innocent lives is not just an accident -- it is a state-sponsored disaster born out of sheer administrative negligence,” he said.
Authorities said an investigation has been initiated into the collapse, including the condition of the wall and the circumstances leading to the incident.