Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the tragic deaths of seven people, including a child, following a wall collapse at a government hospital in Bengaluru. The PM's Office announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the incident, as per PTI.
The tragedy occurred at Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, where a compound wall collapsed after heavy rain lashed the city. Seven people, including a child, were killed and seven others injured on Wednesday after a compound wall at the state-run Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital collapsed following heavy rainfall in the city.
The victims, who were reportedly from Kerala, were in the city as part of a study tour. According to police officials, the tragedy struck when heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds and a hailstorm, lashed the area. The victims had taken shelter near the wall to escape the downpour when the structure suddenly gave way, trapping them under the debris.
All seven victims died on the spot, while seven others sustained injuries. Police and emergency services personnel launched a massive rescue operation to recover victims trapped under the rubble.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the hospital site to take stock of the situation following the wall collapse and met with the injured. Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister confirmed the casualties and provided an update on the survivors.
"Seven people have died and seven others are injured. All those injured are stable and out of danger," he said. He further directed hospital authorities to ensure that all survivors receive medical treatment free of cost.
Acknowledging the financial background of the victims, the Chief Minister announced a solatium of Rs 5 lakh for the families of each of the deceased. "Unfortunately, those who died are very poor people, traders and street vendors," he added.
During the visit, CM Siddaramaiah asked officials to explain the reason behind the structural failure that led to the tragedy.
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