A shocking incident unfolded at MES College in Kerala's Alappuzha district on Tuesday when a temporary gallery packed with students suddenly gave way during a college function. The collapse resulted in injuries to at least 16 students, sending panic through the campus.
The emergency response was immediate and comprehensive, with college authorities and fellow students rushing to rescue those trapped beneath the debris. Local emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene to provide medical assistance and transport the injured to nearby healthcare facilities.
Immediate Aftermath and Rescue Operations
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the temporary structure, which had been erected for a college event, collapsed without warning. Students who had been seated on the gallery found themselves trapped under the wreckage, prompting swift action from those nearby.
"The collapse happened so suddenly," one student recounted. "One moment we were all watching the program, the next there was screaming and chaos as the structure came down."
Medical Response and Student Conditions
Medical teams from multiple facilities responded to the emergency, with ambulances rushing to the college campus. Preliminary reports indicate that most injuries appear to be minor, though several students required hospitalization for further observation and treatment.
College authorities have confirmed that all injured students are receiving appropriate medical care and have notified parents about the incident. The college administration has assured a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the gallery collapse.
Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents
This incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols for temporary structures in educational institutions across Kerala. Similar incidents in the past have highlighted the need for stricter regulations and proper certification for temporary installations during college events and functions.
Local authorities have initiated an inquiry to determine whether proper safety measures were in place and what factors contributed to the structural failure. The investigation will examine the construction quality, load capacity, and approval processes for the temporary gallery.
