A festive Dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Hyderabad ended in tragedy after a large metal lighting structure collapsed onto students on October 17, 2026. The accident claimed the life of first-year engineering student Sona Narayan Das and left several others injured. The incident occurred at the college campus in Nadergul, Rangareddy district, raising serious concerns about safety arrangements during large student gatherings.
MVSR College lighting truss collapse leaves students injured
The accident occurred around 7:30 pm during Dandiya celebrations organised as part of Sangamam 2026, the college's annual technical and cultural festival. Hundreds of students had gathered on the campus when a heavy metal frame supporting decorative lights suddenly collapsed.
According to police, strong winds reportedly caused the structure to fall onto students participating in the celebrations. The sudden collapse triggered panic as students rushed to escape the falling equipment.
Sona Narayan Das, an 18-year-old first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a nearby private hospital, where she died.
Her sister, Meena Narayan Das, was also injured in the incident. Initial reports described her condition as critical, although a subsequent hospital update indicated that she was improving.
Early reports stated that 12 students were injured, while later news accounts gave higher figures. A subsequent report indicated that 23 students had received hospital treatment. The differing figures have not been fully reconciled.
College staff and fellow students helped move the injured to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. What began as an evening of celebration quickly turned into a devastating experience for students and their families.
Adibatla police investigation focuses on college event safety
Following the tragedy, Adibatla police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the lighting structure's collapse.
Police registered a case against the MVSR Engineering College management and the event organiser under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Investigators are examining whether the temporary lighting structure was properly installed and secured. They are also reviewing the safety precautions taken by organisers, particularly in view of the strong winds reported during the event.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student's death and extended condolences to her family. He directed officials to provide appropriate medical treatment to the injured and take action against those found responsible.
The incident has also highlighted the importance of safety inspections before major college events. Temporary lighting towers, stage structures and other heavy installations require proper support and regular checks, particularly when large crowds are expected.
While the police investigation continues, the tragedy has left the college community grieving the loss of a young student. It has also brought renewed attention to the responsibility of educational institutions and event organisers to ensure that celebrations are conducted safely.
