1 killed, boy injured as BBMP building's wall collapses

One person was killed and a boy critically injured after a wall of a BBMP building near Johnson Market came crashing down on them after heavy rain on Sunday evening. The deceased is Kareem (45), a resident of Yelagunte. The injured Juman Raja (10), a resident of Anepalya, is being treated at a private hospital.

The incident occurred around 6.30 pm when the victims were taking shelter from the rain near the old building. “Kareem stopped his autorickshaw near the building and stood by the wall to take shelter. Minutes later, Juman Raja joined Kareem,” Nasir, a shopkeeper, told DH.

The wall suddenly collapsed and Kareem and Raja were buried under the debris. “It was a big wall and there were many bricks. The two were lying under the debris for more than 15 minutes. Local residents cleared the rubble and pulled the two out,” Nasir added.

They were taken to a nearby hospital, but Kareem died on the way due to severe injuries. They boy was later shifted to another hospital. Local MLA N A Harris visited the spot. “I had informed BBMP authorities about five years ago to demolish the building and construct a new one. However, the BBMP authorities did not take any action. The building is very old and is too weak,” he said.

“I have directed the BBMP commissioner to conduct an inspection on Monday and take appropriate steps. Local residents shouldn’t be paying with their lives for the sake of BBMP’s negligence,” he said. Local residents echoed Harris’ statement and blamed the BBMP for the tragedy. “Our repeated pleas of clearing the old building fell on deaf ears,” Nasir said.