Two persons, including a six-year-old boy, died when an old, dilapidated building caved in at Kacharakanahalli, in Banaswadi police station limits on Tuesday.

The deceased have been identified as Yogesh, a UKG student of St Paul’s School, Kamanahalli and a youth, whose identify is yet to be established. Police say he could be from the north-east.

The injured are Yogesh's mother, Nandini (26), whose condition is said to be critical. She has been shifted to Bowring Hospital. Elangovan (40), a worker, suffered major injuries and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Kammanahalli.

Sources said the structure, ‘Jabber Sab Building’, on Hennur main road is more than 65 years’ old. A group of people who purchased it recently offered pooja in the morning and began the demolition process.

Around 6:40 pm, labourers completed their work and were washing hands when the parapet fell on the passersby.

Last farewell

Kumar, Yogesh’s father, was inconsolable. “Look at the irony of life. I lost my only son and my wife is on her death bed. In the afternoon, we visited St Mary's church and I booked a ticket for Velankanni. As my train was to leave at 7:45 pm, I decided to leave home early. When I boarded the bus, I heard Yogesh shout, “Papa, bye bye.” I never knew it would be his last goodbye,” Kumar said.

Jayalakshmi, a flower vendor who was sitting 100 metres from the structure, said she saw the mother and son walking on footpath.

Immediately, she heard a loud noise. “Neighbours rushed to help and we managed to pull out Nandini, but could not save the boy,” she said.

Angry public came down heavily on the Satya Hospital authorities when a duty doctor allegedly behaved rudely. Sub-Inspector Mohammed pacified them.