Woman Loses Life as Vehicle Submerges in Waterlogged Underpass Amidst Heavy Rainfall

In a heartbreaking incident on Sunday, a 23-year-old woman lost her life when the car she was traveling in with her family became submerged in neck-deep water at the KR Circle underpass, located near Vidhana Soudha, the seat of power in Karnataka.

Quick action from the fire and emergency services personnel, aided by courageous bystanders, managed to rescue five family members and the driver who were trapped in the flooded underpass at the heart of Bengaluru. Sadly, the victim, identified as Bhanurekha, could not be saved and was declared deceased upon arrival at St Martha's Hospital.

Upon learning of the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promptly visited the hospital to assess the situation. Expressing his condolences, he announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, as well as free medical treatment for those admitted to the hospital.

According to Siddaramaiah, the family, originally from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, had hired a car to explore Bengaluru. Bhanurekha herself worked at Infosys. Due to the heavy downpour, the barricade at the underpass collapsed, leading the driver to take the ill-advised decision of crossing the submerged underpass.

This unfortunate incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather conditions and the need for caution while navigating flooded areas. Authorities are expected to review safety measures at underpasses and intensify efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The tragic loss of Bhanurekha's life highlights the importance of public awareness about the risks associated with flooded areas during heavy rains. It is crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize their safety and adhere to official instructions, ensuring they avoid venturing into perilous situations.

As the family mourns the untimely demise of their loved one, the incident serves as a somber call for improved infrastructure and effective measures to safeguard lives during adverse weather conditions.