A Dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, turned tragic on Saturday evening, October 17, after a large metal structure supporting decorative lights collapsed onto students. One engineering student died in the incident, while several others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.
The accident occurred at around 7:30 pm as students gathered on the college campus for the festivities. The event was part of the institution’s two-day technical and cultural festival, Sangamam-2026, which was held on October 16 and 17.
The sudden collapse disrupted the celebrations and prompted students and college staff to rush to help those caught in the incident. Emergency assistance was arranged, and injured attendees were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
Student Identified as Sona Narayan Das
The deceased student was identified as Sona Narayan Das, a first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student. She was reportedly taken to a nearby private hospital after the structure fell, but doctors could not save her.
Her sister, Meena Narayan Das, was also reported to have been injured and was receiving treatment. Early reports indicated that her condition was critical. Other students were hurt in the incident, although the number of injured people varied across initial accounts.
Police officials said 17 people had sustained injuries, with many reportedly suffering minor injuries. The injured were shifted to hospitals in and around LB Nagar and Adibatla. Authorities continued to assess the circumstances of the accident and the condition of those receiving medical care.
Strong Winds Suspected in the Collapse
Preliminary information suggested that strong winds may have contributed to the collapse of the lighting installation. A large metal frame had been erected on the college ground to hold decorative lights near the event area, while another similar structure had been installed at a separate location.
The frame reportedly toppled while students were participating in the Dandiya programme. The exact sequence of events and the factors responsible for the structure’s failure remain subject to investigation.
The incident has raised questions about the stability of temporary installations used at large campus events. Such structures require appropriate installation, secure anchoring and safety checks, particularly when students and other attendees are expected to gather nearby.
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the arrangements made for the event. Any determination of negligence or responsibility will depend on the findings of the investigation.
Telangana Chief Minister Orders Action
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student’s death and conveyed his condolences to her family. He also directed officials to ensure that injured students received appropriate medical treatment.
The chief minister instructed authorities to identify those responsible for the incident and take strict action where warranted. His response came as the accident drew attention to safety arrangements at the college festival.
Political representatives also expressed condolences and wished the injured students a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the incident prompted renewed scrutiny of the precautions required before organising large gatherings on educational campuses.
Questions Over Safety at College Events
The accident has highlighted the risks associated with temporary stages, lighting frames and other installations used during cultural programmes. College festivals often involve music, dance and large student gatherings, making structural stability and emergency planning important parts of event preparation.
Investigators will need to establish why the metal frame fell, whether adequate safety measures were in place and whether weather conditions were properly considered.
For the college community, the immediate concern remains the recovery of injured students and support for the family of the deceased. The findings of the investigation are expected to clarify the circumstances of the collapse and whether further action is necessary.
