Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Oct 18: An 18-year-old engineering student died and 14 others were injured after a metal frame supporting lighting collapsed during a Dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on Saturday evening.
The deceased was identified as Sona Narayan Das, a first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student. According to reports, the lighting structure fell due to strong winds, crushing the student and causing fatal injuries. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital but died while undergoing treatment.
The incident occurred around 7.30 pm during the college’s Dandiya celebrations, which were part of Sangamam-2026, a two-day national-level technical and cultural festival held on October 16 and 17. Students from various colleges had gathered on the campus to participate in the programmes. Reports indicated that more than 600 people were present at the venue when the structure collapsed.
Fourteen people sustained injuries in the incident. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, including facilities in the LB Nagar and Adibatla areas. Sona’s sister, Meena Narayan Das, was among those injured and was reported to be receiving treatment at Pratyusha Hospital near Nadergul. Initial reports described her condition as critical, although subsequent reports said the injured were out of danger.
According to police, the lighting arrangements had been installed on a metal frame that gave way in the wind, causing it to fall on students attending the event. The collapse triggered panic at the venue, and college staff and others rushed to help the injured and arrange for their hospitalisation. Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the accident.
Reports also raised questions about safety arrangements at the event. Police officials reportedly said the college should have informed them about the large gathering. However, responsibility for the collapse and any lapses in safety arrangements will have to be established through the investigation.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student’s death and conveyed his condolences to her family. He directed officials to ensure that the injured received the best possible medical treatment and instructed them to identify those responsible for the accident and take stringent action against them, according to a government release.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of temporary structures and lighting installations at large college events, particularly when outdoor programmes are affected by strong winds. Police are continuing their investigation into the accident.