7 dead as hospital wall collapses during heavy rain in Bengaluru

At least seven people were killed in Bengaluru on April 29 after a compound wall of the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital collapsed during heavy rain and strong winds, officials said.

According to police, the victims—many of them street vendors—had taken shelter near the wall when it suddenly gave way under the impact of intense rainfall and gusty winds. All seven were killed on the spot.

The incident occurred as parts of the city were hit by a sudden spell of heavy rain accompanied by hailstorms and strong winds, causing widespread disruption and waterlogging.

Initial reports had indicated that several people were feared trapped under debris, prompting immediate rescue efforts by locals and emergency services.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site and later met the injured at a hospital. Authorities have announced compensation for the families of those who died and ordered an investigation into the incident.

Officials said the collapse has raised serious concerns about infrastructure safety, especially in the wake of extreme weather events. The wall, reportedly old, may have weakened due to continuous rainfall before giving way.

The India Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for Bengaluru and surrounding regions, warning of thunderstorms and strong winds, which were witnessed across the city on the day of the incident.

Heavy rains also led to flooding in several areas, disrupting traffic and daily life, while civic authorities scrambled to respond to multiple weather-related incidents.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and informal workers, particularly those forced to take shelter in unsafe areas during extreme weather conditions.