At least ten people have lost their lives following an intense thunderstorm and heavy rainfall that battered the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. The sudden downpour, accompanied by a hailstorm with thunder and gusty winds, caused widespread destruction across the tech capital.
Hospital Wall Collapse
Seven individuals, including a child, died after an 8-foot wall at the Bowring and Lady Curzon hospital complex collapsed on Wednesday night. The wall gave way when approximately 30 people were present nearby. Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, confirmed that among the deceased were four street vendors and two individuals from Kerala. Three injured persons are receiving treatment in hospital, with one woman undergoing a check-up after first aid.
Official Response
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the incident site and ordered a preliminary inquiry. He stated, "Mud was being dumped adjacent to the compound wall, which appears to have weakened the structure due to the gush of rainwater. It is also being examined whether the wall was dilapidated." The state government has announced compensation of Rs 500,000 (approximately £3,896) for each deceased family and free treatment for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on X, calling the incident "unfortunate" and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness named Suhail, whose brother Fayaz was among the victims, told The Hindu, "We have been selling purses and chappals here for the past 20 years. This is the first time such a tragedy has occurred. I was standing a little away when the wall suddenly collapsed." He added that his brother was the sole breadwinner for his family, leaving behind a wife and two children.
Other Fatalities and Damage
In separate incidents, a 17-year-old teenager, Syed Sufiyan, died of electrocution while parking his motorcycle when he stepped into a puddle electrified by a leaking pole. A 35-year-old man also died after the roof and wall of his house collapsed in the Chamarajpet area.
The heavy rain uprooted 170 trees across the city. A bookstore on Church Street suffered heavy losses as rainwater flooded the premises, damaging 4,000 to 5,000 books worth nearly Rs 1,500,000 (£11,690).
Context
Building collapses are common in India due to high demand for housing and lax regulations, leading some builders to cut corners, use substandard materials, or add unauthorized extra floors.
