Bengaluru Storm: Bengaluru wrecked again as 25 trees fall in storm, biker killed by crashing branch in Koramangala | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru experienced strong winds, leading to trees falling

BENGALURU: With windspeed howling at 40kmph across several areas of Bengaluru on Wednesday, at least 25 trees came crashing down and 37 branches snapped. A 48-year-old man riding a two-wheeler lost his life after a tree crashed on him in Koramangala.

The accident occurred around 3.30pm near Pinto Junction on 60ft Road in Koramangala V Block when Mudalagiriappa from Adugodi was riding a bike with friend Ramesh on the pillion. The massive tree suddenly collapsed, and a huge branch hit his head. He was rushed to St John’s Hospital but succumbed to injuries later. Ramesh, who also sustained injuries, is currently undergoing treatment.According to Koramangala police, the incident led to an hour-long traffic jam. BBMP officials removed the tree and restored traffic movement. “Based on Ramesh’s complaint, we’ve registered a case of unnatural death,” said a senior police officer.On Nrupatunga Road, a huge tree in the state police headquarters crushed a Scorpio police vehicle and damaged two other cars. Fire and emergency services teams removed the debris. On Cunningham Road, another massive tree collapsed, affecting peak-hour traffic.In Srirampura, a tree under the sericulture department broke in half and crashed on a residence, severely damaging the parapet wall. Junior engineer Ashok Kumar of Bescom said emergency teams from BBMP, Bescom and police reached the site within minutes, though the crane to clear the tree came 15 minutes later.Renuka Parameshwarappa, 51, owner of the house, said, “We heard strong winds and then a loud thud. I saw a branch hanging and rushed my family inside. But when we heard cracks in the parapet wall, we fled the house fearing it might collapse.”Residents in the neighbourhood have long raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of trees in land owned by Silk Board department. “This is not new,” said Vignesh Srinivasan, 38. “A tree fell on our house four years ago. We lodged a complaint, but no action was taken. It seems the authorities react only after someone gets hurt.”