Worker severely injured, five missing as illegal building collapses in southern India amid heavy rains
by Aditi VermaAn under-construction, seven-story building collapsed in southern India’s Karnataka, leaving one worker dead and five missing. Fourteen people were rescued as authorities launched an emergency operation amidst ongoing heavy rains. The building was illegally constructed without permission.
The incident took place at Babusapalya, a locality in north Bengaluru on October 22.
Visuals showed a partially constructed building suddenly tilted to one side and collapsed completely, sending debris crashing to the ground. The scene was chaotic, with rescue teams frantically searching for those trapped beneath the rubble. Ambulances were already on-site, attending to the injured, while the atmosphere was tense and panicked. People rushed around, and the sound of sirens added to the sense of urgency, as everyone worked to secure the area and save lives amidst the destruction.
According to D Devaraja, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Bengaluru), approximately 20 people were trapped when the seven-storey structure, built without proper permissions from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), came down. The building collapsed on a labor shed where more workers were present, further complicating the rescue efforts.
Teams from the Hennur Police, BBMP, and fire and emergency services rushed to the site to assist in the rescue operation. Heavy traffic and continuous rainfall are causing delays in reaching those still trapped.
The building’s owner, Munirajju, a local realtor, has been untraceable since the incident. Authorities have launched a search for him, and strict action has been promised. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the site and confirmed that the building was illegal. He vowed to crack down on unauthorized constructions across Bengaluru.
Shivakumar also stated that out of the 14 rescued, seven are receiving treatment in the hospital. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would follow, with strict actions taken against all parties involved, including contractors and builders.
As a precautionary measure, the Bengaluru Urban District administration has declared a holiday for schools on Wednesday due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Colleges and ITIs will continue to function as normal.