Rescue efforts save family members, while a young Infosys employee loses her life
Bengaluru, May 22, 2023 – A 23-year-old woman tragically drowned after the car she was traveling in with her family became submerged in neck-deep water at the KR Circle underpass in Bengaluru. The victim, identified as Banurekha, an employee of Infosys, was visiting the city along with her family members who had come from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
The incident occurred on Sunday during heavy rainfall, which caused severe waterlogging and disrupted normal activities in various parts of the city. The family, eager to explore Bengaluru’s sights, had hired a vehicle for their excursion. However, as they approached the underpass, the barricade had fallen down due to the downpour, tempting the driver to take the ill-fated risk of crossing.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who visited the spot of the incident, expressed his condolences to the grieving family and announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh. He highlighted the driver’s decision to cross the underpass as a mistake, cautioning against such actions in adverse weather conditions.
Witnesses at the scene recounted how the driver attempted to navigate through the water, only to find the car gradually becoming submerged. With the downpour intensifying and hailstorm adding to the chaos, the water level rose rapidly. In their desperate plea for help, the family attracted the attention of nearby bystanders who rushed to their aid.
People at the scene threw sarees and ropes to the trapped family members, attempting to keep them afloat. Despite their best efforts, the survivors struggled to escape the submerged vehicle. Eventually, emergency service personnel, including skilled swimmers, managed to rescue two individuals, while others were brought to safety using a ladder.
The survivors were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where the devastating news awaited them. Bhanurekha had tragically lost her life in the incident, leaving her family members in deep sorrow. The hospital echoed with anguished cries as the survivors confronted the lifeless body of their beloved family member.
The untimely demise of Banurekha serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by heavy rains and reckless decisions during adverse weather conditions. The incident also highlights the need for improved infrastructure and safety measures to mitigate such risks and protect the lives of citizens.
As Bengaluru grapples with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall, authorities are working to address the waterlogging and associated issues faced by residents. The tragedy serves as a call to action for the government to invest in adequate drainage systems and reinforce measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
The city mourns the loss of a young life and extends its support to Banurekha’s grieving family during this difficult time. The incident serves as a somber reminder for all to exercise caution and prioritize safety when faced with challenging weather conditions.
