In a tragic incident in Bengaluru, seven people were killed and several others injured after a wall collapsed on street vendors near Bowring Hospital on Wednesday. The accident occurred in the early morning hours when the vendors were setting up their stalls.
Details of the Incident
The wall, which was part of the hospital's compound, suddenly gave way, trapping the vendors under the debris. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local police, rushed to the spot to search for survivors. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Victims and Rescue Operations
According to officials, the deceased were all street vendors who regularly gathered at the spot to sell their wares. The injured are reported to be in critical condition. The rescue operation continued for several hours as teams worked to clear the debris and ensure no more victims were trapped.
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai expressed grief over the incident and announced compensation for the families of the deceased. He also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the collapse.
Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of street vendors and the maintenance of old structures in the city. Local residents and vendors' associations have demanded strict action against those responsible and better safety measures for vendors.
Bowring Hospital, a century-old institution, has been a landmark in Bengaluru. The collapsed wall was reportedly in a dilapidated condition, and there were previous complaints about its stability. The hospital administration has not yet commented on the incident.
Authorities have urged people to avoid the area and cooperate with the ongoing rescue efforts. The investigation is expected to focus on negligence and non-compliance with safety norms.
