Seven killed after hospital wall collapses in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Seven people were killed after an 8-foot, or 2.5-metre, wall inside a hospital complex collapsed in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, according to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Shivakumar said those who died included a child, four street vendors and two other people from the state of Kerala. He added that the identity of one of the victims had not yet been confirmed.

Shivakumar also said three people were injured in the incident and were being treated at hospital.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as unfortunate in a post on X.

Sudden weather change hits city

The wall collapse came as Bengaluru experienced an abrupt shift in weather conditions on Wednesday. After weeks of high temperatures and humid conditions, parts of the city were hit by heavy rain, strong winds and hailstorms.

A Reuters witness said an injured woman was taken for a medical check-up after receiving first aid at a hospital following the collapse.

The incident took place amid severe weather in the city, where intense rainfall and gusty winds swept through several areas.

Authorities said the dead included people who were present near the hospital complex when the wall gave way. Shivakumar’s statement identified the victims as including street vendors and people from outside Karnataka, while noting that one person’s identity was still awaiting confirmation.

The injured were shifted for treatment, while one woman was seen being taken for further examination after initial medical assistance, according to a Reuters witness.

The deaths were reported as the city dealt with turbulent weather after a prolonged spell of heat and humidity. Heavy rain, hail and strong winds affected parts of Bengaluru on Wednesday, coinciding with the collapse at the hospital complex.