Bengaluru: Seven people, including two women from Kerala, lost their lives after a hospital compound wall collapsed during heavy rain and strong winds in the city.

Seven others sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred at the Bowring Hospital in Shivaji Nagar.

The deceased Keralites have been identified as Smitha and Latha, both residents of Ramamangalam in Ernakulam district. They were part of a 56-member tour group organised by a Kudumbashree unit from Ramamangalam. The group had arrived in Bengaluru by flight on Wednesday morning. The accident took place in the evening while the group was out shopping and sought shelter under a tarpaulin sheet adjacent to the hospital wall to escape the sudden downpour and wind.

Three other women from the same tour group were injured in the collapse. According to eyewitnesses, the victims included street vendors and pedestrians who were standing near the wall when it gave way. Following the incident, local residents, police and the fire brigade carried out a rescue operation to extricate those trapped under the debris.

Shivaji Nagar MLA Rizwan Arshad confirmed the casualties to the media. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited the site and met with the injured at the hospital. He announced an emergency compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for the injured. An official investigation into the incident has also been ordered.