Kochi: Minister Saji Cherian, who was present at the venue when Uma Thomas fell off the stage, said that everything happened suddenly and it was shocking. " I saw her enter the stage and walk towards us. I was talking to other guests and when I turned back to greet her, I saw her stumble and fall off the stage. Her head hit hard on the floor and I saw blood flowing from her nose. Immediately, we knew it was a serious accident, and we immediately rushed her to the hospital," said Saji Cherian.

The Minister said that she has sustained serious injuries to head and lung as told by the doctors. Bone fracture also needs to be confirmed. A medical bulletin will be issued soon. " The doctors told us that she was subjected to a scan, and she is under observation for the next 24 hours," he said.

Saji Cherian said that she may have twisted her ankle or slipped somehow which led to the fall. There was a ribbon cordon along the edge of the stage. Though she tried to hold it, she lost balance and fell down. " She fell from nearly 20 feet and hence sustained serious injury. There was no barricade. It was a long stage but narrow one and she was walking along the edge of the stage when the unfortunate incident happened.