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, Adibatla, on Saturday, according to a report by Telangana Today. The collapse triggered panic among students attending the college’s two-day technical and cultural festival.
The deceased student was identified as Sony, from Wanaparthy. The injured students were taken to private hospitals in LB Nagar and Adibatla for treatment after college staff and others responded to the accident.
Initial reports said that two students were in critical condition. Subsequent information indicated that five other students had also suffered serious injuries. Sony’s sister was among those injured and was reportedly shifted to another hospital as her condition remained critical.
The accident occurred during Sangamam-2026, a national-level technical and cultural fest hosted by the engineering college on October 16 and 17. The event brought together students from various colleges for technical presentations, innovative projects and cultural programmes, including the Dandiya event.
The collapse of the lighting poles is now under investigation by the Adibatla police. The circumstances that led to the failure of the structures have not been established in the report. Police are examining the incident, while allegations of negligence against the college management have surfaced after the accident.
The incident has also prompted demands for strict action against those responsible. The available report does not specify whether the lighting poles had been inspected before the event, who installed them, or whether the venue had received any event-related safety clearance. It also does not state whether the college or event organisers had issued a formal response to the allegations.
The accident highlights the immediate safety obligations involved in organising large student gatherings, where temporary lighting, stages and other event infrastructure are installed within active campus spaces. The extent of the injuries and the condition of the students receiving treatment are expected to be clarified as hospitals and authorities provide further updates.
The Adibatla police investigation remains the next official step in determining how the lighting poles collapsed and whether responsibility can be fixed for the death and injuries. Further information on the injured students’ conditions and any action against the college management is awaited.
