Bengaluru collapse: 6 dead, some still trapped, building owner arrested

During a bout of heavy rain in Bengaluru, a building under construction tragically collapsed, resulting in the loss of six lives. Despite successful rescue operations saving several individuals, others remained trapped beneath the debris. Law enforcement authorities have detained the building’s owner and pressed charges of negligence against him.

In Short

• Emergency and fire personnel continue to remain at the location for search and rescue operations.
• The building owner has been arrested by the police, who have also lodged a negligence case against him.
• Possible Revision: Reports suggest that the collapse was triggered by the use of inferior materials during construction.

In northern Bengaluru on Tuesday evening, a tragedy unfolded as an under-construction building collapsed, resulting in the loss of five lives and the rescue of 13 individuals. The authorities are concerned that two or three individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris.

Rescue efforts are currently ongoing.

Amidst a downpour in the city, the unfortunate event unfolded in Babusapalya, located within Hennur, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the site. While the heavy rainfall played a role, investigations pointed towards subpar materials and inadequate construction methods as the primary reasons behind the collapse.

Sources have revealed that the collapse of the seven-story building was caught on CCTV footage. It was further disclosed that the structure, which was only authorized for four floors, had been subject to construction irregularities.

The information from insiders indicates that the pillar rods installed in the construction were undersized, measuring between 18-20 mm instead of the required 28-30 mm. Similarly, the rods potentially fell short in other sections like molding, where 8-10 mm rods were possibly utilized instead of the specified 14-16 mm.

According to their assessment, it is also conceivable that insufficient cement and an excess of sand were utilized in the construction process.

Hospital officials reported that four of the wounded individuals were transferred to Bengaluru North hospital, whereas five were relocated to Hosmat hospital within the city.

Two rescue vehicles belonging to the fire and emergency services were dispatched to aid in the rescue mission. According to a senior police officer, the rescue operation is being executed collaboratively with assistance from various other organizations.

Ahmed, one of the first individuals rescued, mentioned that there were 20 laborers inside the collapsed building, comprising tile workers, concrete workers, and plumbers. Ahmed himself had been hired for tile work on the site.

Alleging that the basement’s lack of strength might have played a role in the collapse, he expressed his concerns.

DK Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister, responded to the situation, mentioning that there were a collective of 21 workers inside the structure when the incident occurred.

According to the details I received, there were 21 laborers present, with the body of a 26-year-old individual named Arman being discovered. ANI reported that 26 individuals are employed at this location on a daily basis.

The news agency was informed by him about ongoing illegal activities at the site, and he emphasized his intention to take severe measures against the owner and any other individuals implicated.

In Bengaluru, non-stop rainfall has led to waterlogging, potholes, and traffic congestion in various areas of the city, particularly in the northern region.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike reported that Yelahanka experienced 157 mm of rainfall, equivalent to six inches, within a mere six-hour timeframe spanning from midnight until 6 am on Tuesday.