New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in a wall collapse incident in Bengaluru, which claimed seven lives, including three children.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister described the incident as “unfortunate,” extended condolences to the bereaved families, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. An ex gratia of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased, while the injured will receive ₹50,000.
The incident occurred near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital, where a compound wall collapsed amid heavy rain. Officials said several people had taken shelter near the wall when the structure suddenly gave way.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site and confirmed that seven deaths had been recorded, with the Chief Minister’s Office issuing a statement verifying the figures after an on-site inspection.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said he rushed to the spot after speaking with the police commissioner and assured that immediate relief measures and further action would follow.
Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok alleged negligence, stating that the collapsed wall belonged to a government hospital, and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
Congress leader Rizwan Arshad termed the incident heartbreaking, noting that victims had taken shelter from the rain and lightning. He added that while the wall was decades old, it did not appear structurally weak, and called for accountability after the investigation. He also urged the government to increase compensation to ₹5 lakh for the deceased.
Authorities have initiated an inquiry, with rescue and assessment efforts ongoing and further details awaited.
(DD News)
