Seven killed, 14 injured in balcony collapse

Bangalore (PTI): Seven persons, including a minor child, were killed and 14 others injured when a balcony on the first floor of an old residential building here collapsed, police said today.

The incident occurred at Nehrupura in Bharati Nagar area last night when the balcony of over a decade-old building came down, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Division), B K Singh, told PTI.

The deceased were identified as Salma (42), Taslina Bhanu (32), Rehana (16), Mohamed Ismail (25), Sayed Sameer and his son Faizan (2). The identity was of another person was not known, he said.

While three of the victims were brought dead, others succumbed to injuries at the Bowring hospital. The wounded are being treated in the same hospital, the DCP said.

The flat in the corporation-built building belonged to one Harron Basha, a fruit merchant. The tragedy happened when friends and relatives of Harron had gathered there for his daughter's engagement, he said.

"The incident occurred at around 8.30 pm last night when a loud noise was heard and people screamed for help. A tea vendor, who owns a shop nearby, rushed to the spot and saw wounded people writhing in pain on the street. Police rushed to the spot immediately after receiving the information and shifted the injured to the hospital," Singh said.

Police officials, including the Inspector General and senior corporation officials, rushed to the spot, he said, adding investigation was on into the incident.

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