MLA Critically Injured After Falling 15 Feet from Stage; Organizers Under Scrutiny

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic incident unfolded in Kerala during a dance event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas suffered a severe fall from a 15-foot-high stage resulting in critical injuries. The MLA sustained head and lung injuries and was rushed to the hospital where her condition remains critical.

A hospital bulletin revealed that a CT scan showed a grade 2 diffuse axonal injury to the head along with cervical spine injuries facial and rib fractures, and bleeding in the lungs. Although the injuries are severe emergency surgery is not required at this stage. The hospital noted that improvement can only be assessed after 24 hours of observation. Meanwhile, the Palarivattom police have registered a case against the event organizers citing negligence in stage construction and inadequate safety measures.

The accident occurred during the cultural program *Mridanga Nadam,* which aimed to set a Guinness record with 12,000 Bharatanatyam dancers. Reports indicate that the venue lacked essential safety arrangements including mandatory barricades for high stages. The MLA reportedly fell after grabbing a retractable ribbon barrier at the edge of the stage, causing her to lose balance and hit her head on a concrete slab. A preliminary report by the District Fire Officer has been prepared highlighting lapses in safety protocols. It will be submitted to the fire chief for further action.