Seven people, including three children, were killed on Wednesday, 29 April after the compound wall of the government-run Bowring Hospital in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru collapsed during heavy rain, crushing street vendors and others who had taken shelter nearby. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site, announced ₹5 lakh compensation for each victim's family, and ordered an immediate inquiry into alleged departmental negligence.

What Happened at Bowring Hospital

The incident occurred when a compound wall of Bowring Hospital — a state-run facility — reportedly gave way under the pressure of heavy rainfall in the Shivajinagar area. The wall fell on street vendors and bystanders who had sought refuge from the downpour, officials briefed the Chief Minister. Seven fatalities were confirmed at the scene, with several others sustaining injuries.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the emergency ward of Bowring Hospital and directed doctors to provide proper medical care to the injured. He also instructed officials to ensure free treatment for all those affected.

CM Pulls Up Officials Over Negligence

Siddaramaiah expressed deep shock over the tragedy and questioned officials on whether the condition of the ageing wall had ever been inspected. He raised concerns over the apparent lack of coordination among departments and stated that the mishap could have been avoided had adequate precautions been taken. He reprimanded officials for their negligence and ordered an immediate inquiry into the collapse.

The Chief Minister gathered complete details from all concerned authorities and directed them to remain present at the location as the investigation commenced. He questioned the systemic failure that allowed a government hospital's infrastructure to pose a threat to lives.

Kumaraswamy Demands Thorough Probe

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy and said he was deeply disturbed by the deaths of seven people, including children. In a statement, he conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the state government to provide all necessary emergency treatment to the injured and extend adequate support to their families.

Kumaraswamy called for a thorough investigation into how the compound wall of Bowring Hospital collapsed and sought to know when the structure was originally constructed. He demanded that responsibility be fixed and strict action be taken against those found negligent.

Criticising the state government's response, the Union Minister alleged that such incidents recur every time it rains, arguing that the government has failed to learn lessons. He likened the administration's approach to