Couple was on the way to work when Metro pillar collapsed in a flash

BENGALURU, GADAG: The couple Lohit Kumar Sulake, his wife Tejaswini and their twin children were on their way to Manyata Tech Park when tragedy struck around 10.30 am on Tuesday.

The deceased Tejaswini’s sister said she worked at Motorala at Manyata Tech Park and Lohit too worked there. “On Tuesday, they started from home a little later than usual. They were going to drop off their twin children Vihaan and Vismitha at Vivero International Pre-School and Childcare and then head to work like usual when the Metro pillar crashed on them in a flash,” she said.

Lohit’s father and Tejaswini’s sister at Dr B R Ambedkar Hospital, on Tuesday.

Both were working in Bengaluru for the last 4-5 years, she said and added that Lohit is in a state of shock. Lohit’s mother, who was also present at the Dr B R Ambedkar Hospital mortuary, where the post-mortem examination was conducted, was inconsolable.

Tejaswini hails from Hagaribommanahalli while Lohit hails from Siddarameshwara Nagar in Gadag. The family had moved to Bengaluru about seven years ago. Lohit had visited his hometown only about 15 days ago, neighbours said.

Teary-eyed neighbours of Lohit’s family in front the vacant house in Gagad’s Siddarameshwara Nagar.

“Lohit’s father Vijaykumar was employed with the municipal council and his mother was working with the Irrigation Department as a typist. After they retired, they moved in with their son in Bengaluru. Lohit’s brother, who is still studying is also staying with them. The parents keep coming here and had returned to Bengaluru only a few days ago. They never had any problems with anyone”, some of the teary-eyed neighbours said.

Meanwhile,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the family of the woman and child who died after a Metro pillar caved in at Nagavara in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

He told reporters, “Details of the mishap have been sought. It’s most unfortunate. Instructions have been given to order a probe to find out any lapses on the part of the contractor or other reasons. The family of the deceased will be given an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be given”.