Woman dies as car gets submerged in waterlogged Bengaluru underpass

The family from Vijayawada was reportedly travelling via the KR Circle underpass on Sunday, when the car got submerged in neck-deep water that had accumulated due to the heavy rain in the city.
KR Underpass in Bengaluru
KR Underpass in Bengaluru
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A woman died in Bengaluru after getting trapped in a car along with her family and a driver at the KR Circle underpass during heavy rainfall on Sunday, May 21. The 22-year-old woman named Bhanu Rekha, who was an employee of Infosys and her family from Vijayawada had rented a car to visit Bengaluru. Many areas of Bengaluru witnessed heavy rains and hailstorms on Sunday and the car that the family was travelling in got submerged in the water that gushed into the underpass. A few local residents had quickly rushed to their aid, throwing sarees and ropes to help them stay afloat, however the car had almost fully submerged in the water by then. Emergency services personnel arrived shortly at the scene, and swimmers from the fire and emergency services department plunged into the water to rescue the individuals. According to those who rescued the family, by the time the Fire Department and others reached the family, five of them were sitting atop the car crying, while Bhanu Rekha was still stuck inside.

TV channel crews that had reached the spot also telecast visuals of the rescue operation. First two women were successfully pulled to safety, while the remaining individuals were rescued using a ladder. KR circle is situated in the heart of Bengaluru city.
 
As per media reports, Bhanu Rekha was immediately rushed to St Martha’s Hospital but died allegedly because the hospital staff was not responsive. One of the people who was involved in the rescue told the media that Bhanu Rekha had thrown up water after she was pulled out and was rushed to the hospital immediately. However, she did not receive any medical help for at least 15 minutes, he alleged. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who visited the hospital told the media that according to the doctors, Bhanu Rekha was brought dead to the hospital. The CM added that there were barricades installed near the underpass, however they had fallen down due to the rain. "Water entered the car, the glass got stuck," the CM said.

Speaking to the media, the CM announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of the deceased.

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