Visuals of Uma Thomas' fall from stage reveal safety lapses at Kaloor stadium | Video
The stage, cordoned off with a ribbon attached to a queue management barrier, lacked adequate safety measures.
The stage, cordoned off with a ribbon attached to a queue management barrier, lacked adequate safety measures.
The stage, cordoned off with a ribbon attached to a queue management barrier, lacked adequate safety measures.
Kochi: Shocking video footage of Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas falling from a temporary stage at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor reveals safety lapses.
The footage, aired by Manorama News, shows a smiling Thomas walking to the gallery's front row, where she took a seat. Standing up to greet other dignitaries, including Minister Saji Cherian, she lost her balance and fell from the structure.
The stage, cordoned off with a ribbon attached to a queue management barrier, lacked adequate safety measures. There was also not enough space to walk comfortably on the stage either. Thomas fell nearly 20 feet onto concrete slabs covering the drains around the turf and suffered severe injuries to her head and lungs. She is currently in critical care at a private hospital in Kochi.
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), which manages the stadium, stated that the temporary stage had been constructed just hours before the event without its knowledge or approval.
The stage had been set up for VIPs, including Culture Minister Saji Cherian, invited to watch a Bharatanatyam performance by approximately 12,000 dancers on the stadium's turf, organised to attempt a Guinness World Record. The structure was located in the gallery, 3.2 metres above the ground, above two rows of seats. A queue manager belt was the only barricade, making the spot precarious.
Medical condition improving
A medical board convened on Wednesday morning to assess Thomas's health condition. According to the latest bulletin, she remains in intensive care on ventilator support but has shown signs of improvement.
“There is progress in her condition. She is now able to recognise people and respond to instructions, alleviating immediate concerns regarding her head injury. Additionally, there is a slight improvement in her lung function,” the bulletin stated.
Dr Krishnanunni Polakkulath, Medical Director of Renai Medicity, added: “Efforts to gradually reduce ventilator support have begun, but it will need to be continued until she can breathe independently.”