At least 12 students were injured and a female student was killed after lighting poles collapsed during a Dandiya event at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, Adibatla, on Saturday, triggering panic among attendees and prompting a police investigation.
The deceased student was identified as Sony from Wanaparthy, according to 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 subsequent reports said five others had also suffered serious injuries.
Sony’s sister was among those injured and was reportedly shifted to another hospital as her condition remained critical. College staff and others rushed students to hospitals after the lighting structures came down during the event.
The incident occurred during Sangamam-2026, a two-day national-level technical and cultural fest hosted by the college on October 16 and 17. The event brought together students from several colleges for technical activities, innovation showcases and cultural programmes, including the Dandiya gathering.
The collapse of temporary lighting infrastructure at a crowded student event has raised questions about the installation and safety checks carried out before the programme. Allegations of negligence against the college management have surfaced, with demands for strict action against those responsible. These allegations have not been established by an official inquiry.
Adibatla police are investigating the circumstances that led to the collapse of the lighting poles. The available report did not specify whether the structures failed because of faulty installation, inadequate securing, crowd movement or another cause. It also did not provide details of any permissions, safety inspection records or event-management arrangements.
The incident places attention on the safety systems required for temporary structures at large public gatherings. Lighting poles, stages, barricades and other event installations can become immediate hazards when they are erected in spaces filled with people, making pre-event inspection and crowd-safety planning important parts of event administration.
Further details about the police investigation, the condition of the injured students and any action by the college or other authorities are awaited.
