Four injured after ceiling collapses during channel reality show in Kochi 

KOCHI: Four including two children sustained injuries when the ceiling collapsed during a channel reality show in Kochi. The incident happened at Girinagar Community Hall in Ernakulam at around 8.30 pm last night. Parts of the gypsum board on the ceiling in the middle of the hall where people were crowded collapsed. No one was seriously injured.

Daksha (12), daughter of Shijo of Jawahar Jewel Apartment in Jawahar Nagar in Kadavanthra, her mother Chithra, and Amrita (17), daughter of Sunil Kumar of Puthenkurish, who sustained head injuries have been admitted to Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital in Kadavanthra. Hospital authorities said Daksha will need stitches. Lakshmi Unnikrishnan, a doctor at Renai Medicity, was also injured and is undergoing treatment. Lakshmi had seven stapling stitches on her head. Lakshmi had come to the event to watch her daughter’s dance.

The television reality show 'Dance War' started at 6 am on Monday. Nearly 300 children participated in the event. Their family members and dance teachers were also there. The competition was in various groups of children up to 18 years. Many are still in shock over the incident.

Councilor and standing committee chairperson Malini Kurup, who visited the spot, said permission was not obtained for the dance event. The rule is that permission from the corporation should be obtained for events organized by collecting money and registering. ASI Girish, Shameer, CPO Vinod and Sriharish from Ernakulam South Police Station reached the spot. A case has not been registered as no one complained to the police. The accident occurred in the hall owned by Ernakulam Cooperative Construction Society.