Kerala MLA Falls from 15-Foot Stage, Sustains Head Injury, Put on Ventilator; Case Filed Against Organizers

Thrikakkara MLA Uma Thomas was seriously injured after she fell from a 15-foot stage during a cultural event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor, Kerala, on Sunday evening. The incident occurred during the Mridanga Nadam event, which was held to set a Guinness World Record with 12,000 Bharatanatyam dancers.

Injury Details

The fall resulted in very serious head trauma, lungs injury, and fractures across her face and ribs. The CT scan revealed grade 2 diffuse axonal injury and cervical spine damage. Despite the severe injuries, doctors have recommended no immediate surgery. At the moment, she has been put under observation by placing her on ventilator support, and her condition is being monitored for the next 24 hours.

Safety Lapses and Legal Action

Major safety lapses have been detected during an initial investigation, with one being the absence of barricades on elevated stages. As per the regulation, at least 1.2 meters height is expected from barricades at places where stages exceed two meters high. Here also, barricades were missing. The police have lodged a case against the organizers and the Public Works Department for negligence.

Incident Background

The accident took place at 6:30 PM when MLA Uma Thomas approached the stage. She had been holding a retractable ribbon barrier when her foot slipped and she fell off the stage. Uma Thomas hit her head against a concrete slab, with reports stating severe bleeding from the injury. There were no basic safety measures, rescue personnel, or a stationed doctor in place.