Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday said that the Congress government has sought a report on all underpasses in the state in view of an incident wherein a 22-year-old woman drowned after a car she was travelling in with her family got stuck in neck-deep water at KR Circle underpass, just a stone’s throw from Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka. The victim identified as Bhanurekha was declared brought dead when she was taken to a hospital along with other family members.
"We have ordered for a report on all the underpasses in the state including the 18 underpasses in Bengaluru, following the death of a techie. Everything won't happen in a day but will ensure that such an incident doesn't happen again. It is our duty to protect our citizens' lives," DK Shivakumar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.
On the other hand, former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai said timely action by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) could have saved Bhanurekha's life. "Heavy rains and underpass waterlogging happened earlier also but I don't remember any death happening before...this (death) could have been avoided and timely action by BBMP could have saved the life. There are some lapses, need to look into it," he said, as per ANI.
According to news agency PTI, fire and emergency services personnel saved five others of the family and the driver, with the help of people who had rushed to save those trapped in the flooded underpass in the heart of the city. The victim as well as the others were taken to St Martha’s Hospital where doctors declared the woman dead.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rushed to the hospital and took stock of the situation. He announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and free treatment for those admitted to the hospital.
"The family from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh had hired a car and come to see Bengaluru. Bhanurekha works in Infosys. Due to the downpour, the barricade at the underpass fell down and the driver took the risk of crossing the underpass, which he should not have," Siddaramaiah told reporters, as quoted by PTI.
The Karnataka Chief Minister said that he will order an investigation into the claims that doctors refused to treat Bhanurekha, who was alive when she was taken to the hospital. We will get it investigated and initiate action, he said.
As per PTI's report, those present at the spot said that the car driver tried to zoom through the water, but in the middle of the underpass the car almost got submerged. The occupants of the vehicle came out frantically trying to save themselves.
Due to the downpour and hailstorm, the water level started increasing. As the family started crying for help, people nearby rushed to their rescue.
They threw sarees and ropes to help them keep afloat. Those entrapped tried to climb up but failed. While two of them were dragged out by swimmers of the emergency services personnel, others were brought out using a ladder.
More On It: Karnataka: 23-Yr-Old Woman Techie Dies After Car Enters Flooded Bengaluru Underpass