Bengaluru disaster: Seven dead, including two malayalis, after hospital wall topples during rain

BENGALURU: A catastrophic structural failure at the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru’s Shivaji Nagar area has resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two women from Kerala. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday evening around 5:30 PM when heavy rains lashed the city, forcing several people to seek cover. The victims had gathered for shelter near a wall adjacent to the hospital’s mortuary when the structure suddenly gave way, burying them under heavy debris.

Among the deceased are Latha and Smitha, both natives of Ernakulam and members of the Kudumbashree mission, who were visiting the city as part of a 52-member excursion group. Most of the other victims are reported to be local street vendors who operated in the busy commercial area. Three others sustained injuries and were immediately admitted to the hospital for treatment. Commercial Street Police quickly arrived on the scene to coordinate rescue efforts and manage the site.

In the aftermath of the accident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the facility to meet with the injured and offer support to the affected families. While the immediate cause appears to be the torrential weather, an investigation is expected to determine if the wall was in a dilapidated state and if negligence played a role in the collapse.