A student was killed and at least 12 others were injured after lighting poles collapsed during a Dandiya event at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, near Adibatla, on Saturday, triggering panic among attendees and prompting a police investigation.
The deceased student was identified as Sony, a resident of Wanaparthy, according to a report by Telangana Today. The injured students were taken to private hospitals in LB Nagar and Adibatla for treatment. Two students were initially reported to be in critical condition, while later reports said five others had also suffered serious injuries.
Sony’s sister was among those injured and was reportedly moved to another hospital as her condition remained critical. College staff and others present at the event rushed the injured students to hospitals after the lighting structures fell.
The incident occurred during Sangamam-2026, a two-day national-level technical and cultural festival hosted by the college on October 16 and 17. The event brought together students from several colleges for technical demonstrations, innovative projects and cultural performances, including the Dandiya programme.
The collapse of the lighting poles led to a sudden rush and panic at the venue. The available report did not specify the number of people attending the event, the design or installation method of the lighting structures, or whether the equipment had undergone a documented safety inspection before the programme.
Adibatla police are investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse. The report did not state whether a case had been registered or whether any arrests had been made. Allegations of negligence have surfaced against the college management, with demands for strict action against those responsible, but responsibility for the collapse has not been established.
The incident places attention on safety arrangements at large college festivals, where temporary lighting, electrical installations, stages and crowd movement systems operate together in spaces designed primarily for academic use. The immediate investigation is expected to examine how the poles were installed, whether they were secured adequately and what safety checks were carried out before the event.
The injured students remained under medical treatment at hospitals in LB Nagar and Adibatla, while police continued to investigate the incident. Further details about the cause of the collapse and any action against those responsible were awaited.
