Worker Dies and 14 Rescued After Bengaluru Building Collapse During Heavy Rains

A tragic incident occurred in Babusapalya on Tuesday when a seven-storey building under construction collapsed amid heavy rainfall, resulting in the death of a worker. Officials reported that two rescue vans from the fire and emergency department were deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. The collapse happened during a period of intense rain, trapping approximately 20 individuals beneath the debris.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

D Devaraja, Deputy Commissioner of Police East Bengaluru, informed the media that one body has been recovered so far. Fourteen workers have been successfully rescued, while five remain unaccounted for. A fire department official stated that preliminary investigations suggest the entire structure gave way, leading to people being trapped underneath.

Government Response and Investigation

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the site to assess the situation. He revealed that seven of the rescued individuals are currently hospitalised. Shivakumar emphasised that the building was constructed illegally and assured strict action against those responsible. "I have been told that there was no permission and illegal activities were going on. We will take strict action against the owner, contractors and everyone of the alleged building," he stated.

Measures Against Illegal Constructions

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed his commitment to addressing illegal constructions across Bengaluru. He announced plans for a comprehensive survey to identify such structures and halt their progress immediately. "In the entire Bengaluru, we will see to it that we come up with a decision...wherever such illegal constructions are going on, we will stop it immediately," he told reporters.

Shivakumar also mentioned plans to instruct registrars not to process transfers of properties lacking proper plan sanctions. "We will stop all these illegal constructions and I will also instruct the registrars to not accept the transfer of such illegal properties which have no plan sanctions," he added.

Efforts continue to locate the missing individuals as authorities work to prevent similar incidents by enforcing stricter regulations on construction practices in Bengaluru.