Tragedy at Dandiya Night: Student Killed as Stage Truss Collapses in Telangana
A tragic accident at an engineering college in Nadergul left one student dead and 12 injured when a lighting truss collapsed during a Dandiya event.
A celebratory atmosphere turned into a scene of horror at an engineering college in Nadergul, Telangana, when a massive lighting truss collapsed during a Dandiya event, resulting in the death of a female student and leaving at least 12 others injured. The incident has sparked outrage over safety lapses, prompting Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to demand strict action against those responsible.
Chaos During 'Sangamam' Festival
The accident occurred on Saturday during the final hours of 'Sangamam', the annual two-day technical-cum-cultural festival of MVSR College. Hundreds of students had gathered on the college grounds to participate in the Dandiya celebrations. According to eyewitnesses, the festivities were in full swing when a heavy metal truss, which supported the decorative stage lights, suddenly gave way and crashed down onto a group of female students.
The deceased student was a member of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) branch. The sudden collapse triggered panic across the campus, with students and parents left grieving and distraught.
Strong Winds and Alleged Safety Lapses
Reports suggest that strong winds blowing at the time may have contributed to the structural failure. Suresh, an uncle of the victim, shared a heartbreaking account of the incident, alleging that negligence played a significant role in the tragedy.
"I received a call between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. A Dandiya programme was underway at MVSR College. Strong winds were blowing, and a lighting and decoration pole suddenly came crashing down. My friend Ashok called me and said that it had fallen directly on his daughter's head. He initially thought the injury was minor and asked me to go and check on her," Suresh told reporters.
Government and Police Response
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his deep shock over the tragedy and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. Through the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), he has issued strict directives to officials to ensure that all injured students receive the best possible medical treatment.
The CM has further ordered a thorough investigation to identify the individuals responsible for the accident, emphasizing that strict legal action must be taken against those found negligent.
Law and Order Situation
The incident falls under the jurisdiction of the Adibatla police station in Rangareddy district. Following the collapse, a large contingent of police personnel was deployed to the MVSR College campus to maintain law and order, as tensions rose among the grieving students and angry parents.
A senior police official confirmed the casualties, stating, "One girl died, and twelve others were injured after a lifting stand collapsed during a Dandiya event at MVSR College in Nadargul. We have shifted the injured to the hospital for treatment."