Top News

Bengaluru: A heavy downpour that lashed the Silicon City on Tuesday (April 29) evening has led to a major tragedy in Shivajinagar, where a compound wall of Bowring Hospital’s emergency department collapsed, killing eight people, including three children.

The city witnessed intense rain accompanied by strong winds in the evening. During the downpour, several pedestrians and street vendors had taken shelter under a tarpaulin shed near the hospital compound wall. The heavy rain is believed to have weakened the old structure, causing it to suddenly collapse, trapping those standing nearby under the debris.

Soon after the incident, locals and fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot and began rescue operations, pulling out those trapped under the rubble. Officials confirmed that eight people have died so far, while several others are still feared trapped. JCB machines have been deployed to clear the debris and continue rescue efforts. Several injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Apart from Shivajinagar, heavy rain was also reported in areas including Majestic, KR Market, Corporation Circle, Shanthi Nagar, and surrounding localities. Several roads were waterlogged, trees were uprooted in multiple locations, and vehicular movement was severely disrupted.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the incident site and took stock of the situation with officials.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and Bengaluru in-charge minister DK Shivakumar stated that he has received information about the incident and will visit the site to assess the situation, adding that instructions have been given to ensure proper treatment for the injured.