Stage for Kalolsavam collapses in strong winds in Kollam; teachers and students sustain injuries

PARAVUR: Some teachers and students sustained injuries after a stage erected for Kalolsavam collapsed. The incident happened at Bhoothakulam Government Higher Secondary School. The pandal erected for spectators using tin sheets at the main venue collapsed. The accident happened in the strong winds following heaving rain.

Two teachers and seven students who were in the dais sustained injuries. All the injured were taken to the hospital immediately. Their injuries are not serious. Today was the first day of Kalolsavam. As there was heavy rain and wind since morning, most of the students were not on the stage. Many were in nearby buildings. So, a major accident was averted. An inspection was carried out among the collapsed parts and confirmed that no one was trapped.

Following the accident, the Kalotsavam was stopped and the school was given a holiday. Following the accident, the authorities completely covered the damaged part with tarpaulin. Entry to the school from outside is blocked presently. A search will also be conducted to see if there were any safety lapses in the construction of the stage.