A 22-year-old woman tragically drowned on Sunday when her family’s car submerged in neck-deep water at the KR Circle underpass near Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka. Despite the heroic efforts of fire and emergency services personnel and nearby individuals, the young woman, Bhanurekha, lost her life. The driver and five other family members were swiftly rescued and transported to St Martha’s Hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly rushed to the hospital, offering condolences and announcing a compensation of ₹ five lakh for the victim’s relatives. He assured free medical treatment for the survivors.
Visiting Bengaluru from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, the family had hired a car for their trip. Bhanurekha, an Infosys employee, was among the unfortunate victims. Siddaramaiah informed reporters that despite the collapsed barricade, the car attempted to cross the underpass, leading to the tragic outcome.
Reporters expressed concern when they discovered that doctors at the hospital allegedly refused treatment to Bhanurekha, who was still alive upon arrival. Siddaramaiah pledged to investigate and take necessary action.
Eyewitnesses recalled how the car driver tried to navigate through the rising water, but it quickly became fully submerged. Desperately seeking survival, the occupants emerged from the car as the downpour and hailstorm rapidly increased the water level. Cries for help attracted nearby individuals.
People threw sarees and ropes to keep them afloat, but their attempts to climb to safety proved futile. Emergency service swimmers rescued two individuals, and others were brought out using a ladder. The survivors were rushed to the hospital, where the devastating news of Bhanurekha’s death shattered them.
The hospital resonated with sorrow as the survivors faced the lifeless body of their beloved family member. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed during extreme weather events, emphasizing the critical need for heightened caution.