Now Reading: Two dead in Bengaluru underpass collapse; BDA offers Rs 8 lakh each
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Two dead in Bengaluru underpass collapse; BDA offers Rs 8 lakh each
Two workers died and several were injured when an underpass under construction near Kanteerava studio junction in Bengaluru collapsed on Tuesday. Fire officials told Deccan Herald that heavy rain on Monday had…
The Story in Brief
Two workers died and several were injured when an underpass under construction near Kanteerava studio junction in Bengaluru collapsed on Tuesday. Fire officials told Deccan Herald that heavy rain on Monday had softened the soil, and contractors should have suspended work. Rescue efforts were hampered as wet soil kept collapsing. Locals tried to help but could not reach the trapped workers due to dangerous conditions.
The Bangalore Development Authority has formed a probe panel comprising a retired judge and a retired chief engineer, to report in 45 days. It has announced Rs 8 lakh compensation for each deceased worker's family and will cover medical expenses of the injured. MLA K Gopalaiah alleged negligence by BDA and the contractor, saying work should not have continued in the monsoon. Experts cited lack of safety measures at the site.
The Indian Opinion
The narrative that monsoon rains alone caused this tragedy lets officials off too easily. Deccan Herald reports that firemen saw clear warning signs and contractors could have paused work. MLA Gopalaiah and engineers point to a lack of expertise in evaluating project site safety. The BDA has passed the buck by calling it a turnkey project. The real test is whether the inquiry committee names those who decided to dig 25-30 feet deep during heavy rain without proper drainage.
Sources (4): deccanherald.com, deccanherald.com (2), deccanherald.com (3), deccanherald.com (4)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
