A Dandiya celebration at MVSR Engineering College in Nadargul, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, turned tragic on Saturday evening, October 17, after a lighting structure reportedly collapsed, killing a student and injuring several others. The deceased was identified as Sona Narayan Das, an 18-year-old first-year Electrical and Electronics Engineering student.
While one death has been confirmed, reports of a possible second death remain unconfirmed by authorities. At least 14 students were reported injured, with subsequent updates indicating that the injured were out of danger. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy expressed condolences to the bereaved family and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and take strict action against those responsible. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse and possible safety lapses.
Lighting Structure Collapses
The incident occurred at around 7.30 pm during Dandiya celebrations organised as part of Sangamam-2026, the college’s annual technical and cultural festival. According to police, strong winds reportedly caused the metal structure supporting the lights to collapse onto students gathered beneath it.
Sona sustained severe injuries and died while undergoing treatment at a nearby private hospital. Her sister, Meena Narayan Das, was also injured and was initially reported to be in critical condition before subsequent updates indicated that the injured students were out of danger.
College Director Prasanna Kumar said the programme had been organised at the students’ request and that a sudden, strong gust of wind caused one of the lighting stands to fall in the area where students were dancing. He added that college staff used their own vehicles to transport the injured to hospital and that the management would support the affected families. Meanwhile, reports of a second suspected death have emerged, but authorities have not officially confirmed another fatality.
CM Orders Action
The tragedy has raised concerns about safety arrangements at large college festivals, particularly the installation and securing of temporary structures used for lighting and decoration. Reports indicate that more than 600 people were present at the venue when the incident occurred. Suresh, the deceased student’s uncle, reportedly alleged negligence and questioned whether adequate safety precautions had been taken. These allegations have not yet established individual responsibility.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed grief over the student’s death, conveyed his condolences to her family and directed officials to provide the injured with advanced medical care. He also instructed officials to identify those responsible and take strict action. Police have launched an investigation into the collapse and possible safety lapses. The findings will be crucial in establishing what went wrong and whether adequate precautions were in place before the event.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
College festivals should be occasions for learning, friendship and shared celebrations, not tragedies that leave families grieving and students traumatised. While sudden weather changes can pose risks, institutions and event organisers must take every reasonable precaution to secure temporary structures, assess weather conditions and establish emergency response arrangements before allowing large gatherings.
Any lapses identified during the investigation must be addressed transparently, with accountability wherever negligence is established. The families of those affected deserve empathy, support and clear answers, while students deserve the assurance that their safety will never be treated as an afterthought. How can colleges and event organisers work together to ensure that campus celebrations remain safe for everyone?
Rangareddy, Telangana | According to a police official, "A case has been filed against the MVSR College management over yesterday’s lighting truss collapse incident during the Dandiya event organized by the college Management. We are currently investigating the matter."
— ANI (@ANI) October 18, 2026
