Five days after school games mishap, Minister Janeesh visits accident site

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister O.J. Janeesh visited the site of the accident at the Aquatic Complex in Thrissur on the fifth day after a pavilion collapsed during the State School Games. The minister visited the Aquatic Complex, where the pavilion had collapsed. His delay in visiting the site, despite being the minister in charge of the district, had drawn criticism in the days following the accident. Heavy security arrangements were put in place at the complex in view of the possibility of protests.

Speaking to the media after inspecting the accident site, Janeesh said there had been lapses in the construction work. He said strong winds and heavy rain had contributed to the accident and added that failures in the preparations were also a cause of the mishap.

The minister reiterated that officials of the General Education Department were responsible for the lapses. He said teachers' organisations and physical education teachers had jointly handled the organisation of the event.
Janeesh also alleged that elected representatives had not been informed about the arrangements. He said action would be taken against those responsible for the lapses.