Bengaluru: The downpour in Bengaluru claimed three lives on Friday evening when a large tree fell on their car at Minerva Circle on J.C. Road. The heavy rain and winds that lashed the city may have also claimed the life of an 18-year-old, who was reported missing after falling into a drain at Sheshadripuram.

The first incident took place around 8 p.m. Five members of a family were in the car on the busy J.C. Road when a eucalyptus tree came crashing down. The impact was such that the top of the car was crushed. Fire and Emergency Services personnel worked for over an hour to clear the trunk and branches to rescue the family.

However, three persons could not be saved. Officials identified the deceased as Bharathi (38), a home guard who had been deputed to the BBMP; her husband Ramesh (42); and her brother Jagadish (46); all residents of Summanahalli. The other two passengers — the couple’s children — suffered injuries and were hospitalised.

“The family had gone to J.C. Road to repair their vehicle. When rain began, they took shelter in the car. It was then that a tree fell on the car around 8.30 p.m.,” said Mayor G. Padmavathi who added that the civic body would extend financial help and hand over compensation to the family.

Varun (18) was feared dead after he reportedly fell into a drain in Sheshadripuram around 8 p.m.

BBMP officials visited the spot, but said it was too early to confirm whether Varun was indeed washed away in the drain.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the city received 62.44mm of rainfall (till 8.30 p.m.), and over three-fourths was between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.