While five people are feared to be trapped inside the building, KR Pura MLA blamed the builder for the collapse that killed one.
Published Oct 22, 2024 | 6:38 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 23, 2024 | 5:33 PM
Rescue operations underway at the building near Hennur that collapsed
Five people were killed when an under-construction building collapsed near Hennur in Bengaluru collapsed in the incessant rain on Tuesday, 22 October.
Search and rescue workers on Wednesday morning said they suspected one more person was trapped in the debris.
Bengaluru has received heavy rain since Monday, 21 October, under the influence of a cyclonic circulation formed over the Central Andaman Sea.
The dead were all construction workers. All five bodies have been retrieved. Thirteen workers were rescued and six of them are undergoing treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Harman (26), Tripal (35), and Mohammed Sahil (19), all three from Bihar, and Sathya Raju (25) and Shankar.
Jagadevi, Rasheed, Nagaraju, Ramesh Kumar, Harman and Ayaj were undergoing treatment.
Local authorities, police and emergency response personnel arrived at the scene soon after the collapse and launched the rescue operations. NDRF personnel have also joined the operations. It was initially reported that 17 people were trapped in the debris.
#Karnataka: NDRF personnel joins rescue operation being carried out at under-construction building collapse site at Babuspalya near Hennur.
With several labourers yet to be rescued, the NDRF personnel joined hands with the local firefighters & emergency service & police… pic.twitter.com/xcPhJoTJYl
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 22, 2024
Speaking to South First, Hennur police officials said that the building seem to have collapsed due to a breakdown of scaffolding. “The collapse occurred around 4.30 pm and the rescued people have been rushed to local hospitals for further medical care.”
The injured labourers were mostly from Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Speaking about the person who died, Umashankar, ACP for Banaswadi sub-division told South First, “The victim has been identified as Mohammed Arman, a resident of Bihar working as a daily wage labourer in the building.”
“Five more people are expected to be trapped inside the building. The rescue operation is still underway. We have rescued 14 people so far,” the ACP added.
On Tuesday, KR Pura MLA Byrathi Basavaraj told reporters: “We have rescued nine people, one succumbed and 6-7 more are suspected to be trapped inside the building. As per the labourer, who escaped, there were about 17 people inside when the building collapsed.”
The BJP MLA blamed the collapse of the building at the substandard work carried out by builder. “I urge all the developers in Bengaluru to do quality work to avoid such tragedies. We will take the necessary action against the builder. I have also informed healthcare professionals to provide quality treatment without bothering about medical expenses.”
#Karnataka: The builder’s construction of two unauthorized additional floors, along with substandard work, led to the collapse of the under-construction building: @BJP4Karnataka MLA B Basavaraj.
KR Pura MLA Byrathi Basavaraj told reporters: “We have already rescued nine people,… pic.twitter.com/yO792gkYSK
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 22, 2024
Denying that heavy rain caused the under-construction building’s collapse, Byrathi explained, “The builder took permission only for four floors but went on to construct six floors. It is one of the main reasons for the collapse. I’m the MLA of this segment for the last 12 years and have worked on developing the segment. This is the first time I am witnessing such an incident in this locality.”
A rescued labourer from Bihar told reporters, “I was on leave and staying on the first floor. After we finished our meals and were cleaning up, the building began to shake.”
Talking about being rescued, he continued, “There was one man with me and I told him to hold on tightly. Then the building collapsed, and I was trapped inside. I was rescued after they cut through the grill.”
#Karnataka: Two are still trapped inside the building: Labourer
A rescued labourer from Bihar recounted to reporters: “I was on leave and staying on the first floor. After we finished our meals and were cleaning up, the building began to shake.”
“There was one person named… pic.twitter.com/VR0hSIOQoO
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 22, 2024
IMD had predicted that Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh may receive heavy rains and thunderstorms for three days from 21 October under the influence of the cyclonic circulation.
Since 21 October, rains have been battering many parts of Karnataka, mainly affecting Shivamogga and Bengaluru. Shivamogga has experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall.
The rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, has affected low-lying regions, causing stormwater drains and channels to overflow into streets and homes.
#Karnataka: Shivamogga has experienced severe flooding for the last 12 hours due to heavy rainfall.
Shivamogga city has been severely affected by heavy rain, which has caused widespread disruption. The continuous downpour throughout the night has led to significant flooding in… pic.twitter.com/ke7O0EnXSc
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 21, 2024
(Edited by Neena)
