Kochi: Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas fell from the gallery after losing her balance while getting up from her seat, eyewitnesses said on Sunday.

The stage was set slightly higher than usual. Although a ribbon marked the edge of the gallery, no barricade was present to prevent a person from falling. The Congress MLA, who was first seated at another spot, decided to meet other dignitaries in the gallery. On getting up, she grabbed the ribbon for support before losing her balance and falling 14 feet. An eyewitness added that the pipe to which the ribbon was tied also fell on her.

"I saw her enter the stage and walk toward 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 the floor hard, and I noticed blood flowing from her nose. We immediately realised it was a serious accident and rushed her to the hospital," said Minister Saji Cherian.

Uma Thomas sustained severe injuries in the fall, which occurred during an event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor. She had arrived to watch a mega Bharatanatyam performance by 12,000 dancers, led by actor Divya Unni, on Sunday evening. She has sustained injuries to her brain, spine, and lungs.

Over 50,000 people were present in the stadium. While organisers claimed that safety checks were conducted by the police and fire department before the event, concerns have been raised about their adequacy.