Five Dead in Bengaluru Building Collapse: Community Calls for Urgent Safety Reforms

Bengaluru : The death toll from the tragic building collapse in the Horamavu Agara area of Bengaluru has risen to five, with ongoing rescue operations revealing a further five individuals injured. Thirteen people have been successfully rescued from the debris as emergency teams continue their efforts.

The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when a structure under construction collapsed, trapping approximately 20 workers inside. Eyewitness reports describe a terrifying scene, with workers on their lunch break suddenly confronted by a loud noise and the building shaking violently.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar visited the site on Tuesday night, confirming that rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are actively searching for survivors. "There were 21 people trapped under the debris, and our teams are working tirelessly," he stated.

Shivakumar also highlighted the illegal nature of the construction, revealing that the building was erected on a 60/40 land without the necessary permissions. He assured the public that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the unsafe construction practices. “This incident serves as a crucial lesson for us. We will implement stricter regulations requiring all constructions to obtain proper permissions, and a dedicated team will monitor ongoing projects,” he emphasized in a post on social media platform X.

Local laborers recounted the harrowing moment of the collapse. "When we were on our lunch break at around 1:00 PM, we heard a loud sound, and the building started shaking. A man who was working inside died on the spot," said Mehfoos, an eyewitness to the disaster.

As rescue operations continue, the community remains in shock, mourning the loss of life and calling for immediate reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future. Authorities are urged to prioritize safety regulations in the construction industry to protect workers and residents alike.