8-yr-old among 2 killed, 30 hurt in wall collapse during bull run

The deceased were identified as Megasri, 8, from Neralagiri village and Munibala, 62, from Ettipalli village. Thousands of people have gathered to watch the bull race, organised without permission at Neralagiri village near Veppanahalli as part of a temple festival. More than 200 bulls participated in the race.

Around 30 people were watching the traditional sport by standing on the already damaged wall and many were standing beneath on the verandah of the house. Suddenly, a portion of the wall collapsed causing people to fall, while those standing below in the verandah were also trapped in the debris.

The villagers rescued the people caught in the debris and sent them to Veppanahalli Government Hospital. Police said that the little girl and Munibala were retrieved dead and their bodies have been sent for post mortem. As many as 19 persons, including many children, who were injured badly, were taken to Krishnagiri Government Hospital for further treatment.

Krishnagiri Superintendent of Police Bandi Gangadhar visited the scene and held inquiries. Veppanahalli MLA P Murugan consoled the injured and assured them of financial assistance from the government.