A lighting truss collapsed during a dandiya event at MVSR Engineering College in Nadargul, Ranga Reddy district, on Saturday evening, killing a female student and injuring at least 25 others, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle. The collapse occurred as hundreds of students were dancing at the college grounds during pre-Dasara celebrations.
The heavy metallic structure was mounted above the dance area and reportedly gave way without warning. The impact was followed by a fire, triggering panic and a rush among people gathered at the venue. The available report does not establish whether the fire was caused by the collapse, an electrical short-circuit or another factor.
Emergency services and college authorities shifted the injured students to nearby private hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries was not specified in the report, which said district administrative and medical officials had been asked to monitor their condition.
Police reached the site, secured the area and began an investigation. The inquiry is expected to examine the construction and installation of the lighting rig, the event’s safety arrangements and whether any negligence in event production contributed to the collapse. Investigators are also examining the possibility of an electrical short-circuit.
The incident places attention on the safety of temporary structures used at public and institutional gatherings. Lighting trusses, stages and other event installations can create risks when they are erected over crowded areas, making structural stability, electrical safety, crowd movement and emergency access critical to event management. The supplied report, however, does not provide details of the approvals, inspection records or safety certification for the college event.
The collapse also exposed the immediate challenges of managing a crowded venue after a sudden structural accident. The reported blaze and ensuing rush created a second layer of danger as students attempted to leave the area while others were being rescued and moved for medical care. Further details about evacuation arrangements, the number of people present and the response time of emergency services were not available in the report.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student’s death and conveyed condolences to her family. He instructed district administrative and medical officials to closely monitor the injured students and ensure that they receive comprehensive medical care.
The police investigation and the condition of the injured students are the next official developments expected in the case. Authorities will also have to establish how the lighting structure failed and whether event organisers or other parties breached safety requirements.
