Student killed as lighting stand collapses at college event; 14 injured

HYDERABAD: A student met with a tragic end after a lighting stand collapsed during a Dandiya celebration at an engineering college in Hyderabad. 14 others were also injured in the accident. The accident occurred at MVSR Engineering College in Hyderabad on Saturday evening. The deceased has been identified as Sona Narayan Das, a first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student at the college.

The lighting stand installed at the venue fell on Sona during the celebrations. Although she was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, her life could not be saved. Sona's sister was also injured in the accident. College authorities said strong winds caused the lighting stand to collapse. The accident occurred during the celebrations held as part of the college's annual cultural and technical fest. The programme began at 5.30 pm, and the accident took place just 10 minutes before it was scheduled to end.

College Director Prasanna Kumar said the injured were taken to the hospital in college vehicles as ambulances did not arrive on time. He assured that the institution would extend all possible support to the deceased student's family and ensure proper treatment for those injured.

However, the student's family alleged that lapses in safety arrangements by the college authorities had led to the accident. They said they were initially informed that her injuries were minor, but alleged that she had died even before reaching the hospital. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student's death and said strict action would be taken against those responsible for the accident.