The MVSR truss collapse at a college Dandiya celebration in Nadergul, Hyderabad, has left one student dead and two others in critical condition, while police investigate alleged negligence by the event organiser and the college management.
Sonu Narayan Das, a student of MVSR Engineering College, died after the temporary truss collapsed during the event around 7.30 pm on Saturday. More than 60 girl students were injured, according to the police and medical authorities cited by Deccan Chronicle.
Of the injured students, 23 were taken to hospitals and the remaining students received first aid. One of the 23 hospitalised students later died. Nine are being treated at Yashoda Hospital in Malakpet, one at Yashoda Hospital in Secunderabad, while the rest have been discharged, District Medical and Health Officer for Ranga Reddy Dr Kalyan Chakravarthi told Deccan Chronicle.
Two students remain in critical condition in the intensive care unit at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet. Doctors said they suffered lung and abdominal injuries, including pneumothorax, haemothorax and hemoperitoneum, along with spinal cord, rib and other injuries. Meena Narayan Das, Sonu’s sister and one of the hospitalised students, was reported to be improving.
Police identified PS Truss & Lighting as the event organiser. The firm had been engaged by the college for the Dandiya programme and electrical arrangements. Police said the structure was installed without adequate safety measures. The organiser’s office has been shut, and its owner, Mallela Saket, has been listed as absconding.
The Adibatla police registered a case against the organiser and the MVSR College management under Sections 105 and 125(A) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to culpable homicide and causing death by negligence. Four workers involved in installing the structure and lighting have been detained for questioning. No arrests had been made at the time of the report.
“We received a complaint against the organiser and college management for negligence when the incident occurred within the college premises. We will take action as per law. A special team has been formed to arrest those responsible for death due to negligence,” Adibatla station house officer M. Ramesh told Deccan Chronicle.
At Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet, four of the nine admitted students were expected to be discharged soon, while three others required another two days of treatment, Dr Chakravarthi said. Injuries among students outside the ICU included nasal bone fractures and minimal effusion. Police continue to investigate the installation of the temporary structure and the responsibilities of the organiser and college management.
