BBMP chief engineer who suffered burns in quality control lab fire dies in hospital

BENGALURU: Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Chief Engineer Shivakumar, who was battling for life after suffering 40 per cent burns in the fire which broke out at the quality control lab, succumbed to his injuries today evening.

Shivakumar had suffered damage to the lungs in the incident as he inhaled poisonous gas directly while rescuing other staff in the lab. He was initially put on ventilator at Victoria Hospital and was moved to Apollo Hospital in Seshadripuram for further treatment last week. However, he did not respond to treatment and died today.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar visited Apollo Hospital on Monday morning to inquire about the health of the BBMP staffers who were undergoing treatment.

On August 28, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who visited the hospital, said the chief engineer’s condition was critical. “He had 15 more years of service. He seemed to be recovering the last time I visited him. Another staffer, Jyothi, is recovering, but she may need a couple of months”.

The Deputy CM  expressed condolences over the death of the BBMP chief engineer. “Sad to hear the news of the death of BBMP chief engineer Shivakumar. A few days ago, I visited the hospital and inquired about his health.  His condition was critical though the doctors were giving good treatment. We prayed for his recovery, but our prayers were not answered”, he said.

“He lost his life at a young age in the incident and it is very painful. May Shivakumar’s soul rest in peace. I pray to God to give strength to his family members and friends to bear the pain of his demise”, said  D K  Shivakumar said in his condolence message.

The hospital authorities too had pointed out that the official’s condition was ‘very critical’ while Jyothi’s condition had improved.