Two dead, 29 hurt as Ballari building roof crashes

BALLARI: Two persons died and 29 others suffered injuries after the roof of a building in the taluk stadium complex collapsed on them during a sporting event in the district’s Siruguppa on Friday afternoon.
The deceased have been identified as Shivakumar, 32, a private company employee, and Ramu, 17, a student of Industrial Training Institute. Both were from Siruguppa. Six of the injured were shifted to VIMS Hospital, Ballari, and the rest were administered first aid at a Siruguppa hospital. Those being treated at VIMS are aged between 13 and 16 years of age.
Students climbing to watch sports event led to stadium roof collapse
Police said Siruguppa block education office is conducting Hatcholli zonal-level sports meet till August 29, and Friday’s events were for high school students.
More than 50 students had climbed on to the roof of a building in the sports complex and were standing on the edge watching the sporting event. That was when the extended part of the roof gave way and chunks of concrete fell on the lintel 3ft below. Those standing under the lintel bore the brunt of the accident.
Soon after they were informed of the accident, Siruguppa police managed to rescue those trapped under concrete blocks. Block education officer Bhajantri told TOI he’s lodged a complaint in Siruguppa police station and spoke to the injured students at the hospitals. A source in VIMS Hospital said the students undergoing treatment were under observation, but out of danger.