Student killed, 17 injured as lighting frame collapses during dandiya event at Hyd college

A dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College led to a tragic incident on Saturday evening. An injured student after the frame collapse (R)

HYDERABAD: A dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Hyderabad ended in tragedy on Saturday evening, with an engineering student killed and 17 others injured after a metal lighting frame collapsed on students.Chief minister A Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the death and directed police to take strict action against those responsible.The incident occurred around 7.30pm when students had gathered for the festivities on the college campus at Nadergul in Adibatla.A video of the incident shows the metal structure toppling onto the gathering, triggering panic.

The deceased student was reportedly identified as Sona, Adibatla inspector S Ramesh said.

College staff and fellow students rushed to help those injured and shifted them to different hospitals.A stage had been set up in one section of the ground, with a large metal frame erected to support decorative lights. Another similar structure had been installed elsewhere on the ground.Ramesh said the 17 injured students were safe and had suffered minor injuries. Police were also checking on the condition of another girl who had been shifted to a private hospital.

Revanth Reddy conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and instructed officials to ensure the injured received the best medical treatment.

He also ordered authorities to identify those responsible and initiate stringent action, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office on Saturday night.