Bengaluru witnessed a tragic start to the monsoon season as two people lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in separate rain-related accidents on Friday. The incidents occurred in different parts of the city, highlighting the hazards posed by waterlogged roads and poorly maintained infrastructure during the rainy season.
Mother-Daughter Duo Killed in Pothole Accident
In the most heartbreaking incident, a mother and her daughter died after their scooter skidded on a waterlogged road in the Whitefield area. According to police, Kanta (45) was riding pillion with her daughter on a scooter when they hit a large pothole hidden under a pool of water. The scooter lost balance and skidded, throwing both onto the road. Before Kanta could get up, a school bus following behind ran over her, killing her instantly. Her daughter was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to injuries later. The bus driver has been taken into custody for questioning.
Three Injured in Separate Incidents
In another accident in Kengeri, a car lost control on a slippery road and crashed into a tree, injuring three people inside. They have been admitted to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police suspect the accident was caused by aquaplaning due to heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, in the city's central business district, a portion of a compound wall collapsed near a busy footpath, narrowly missing pedestrians. No injuries were reported in that incident, but authorities have cordoned off the area for repairs.
Civic Authorities Under Fire
The accidents have sparked criticism of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for failing to address the city's perennial pothole problem. Residents and activists have demanded immediate action to repair roads and improve drainage systems before more lives are lost. BBMP officials said they have deployed teams to fill potholes on priority, but admitted that the scale of damage from the early monsoon rains is overwhelming.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rainfall in Bengaluru over the next 48 hours, with a yellow alert issued for the city. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from waterlogged areas.
