In bizarre accident, Kerala MLA Uma Thomas falls 15ft from stage, put on ventilator support

KOCHI: Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas sustained serious injuries after she fell off a makeshift stage during a dance event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, on Sunday evening.

The MLA, who sustained head and lung injuries as she fell from a height of around 15ft, is under treatment at a private hospital in the city. "The CT scan revealed a grade 2 diffuse axonal injury to the head. Additionally, injuries were found in the cervical spine, and due to the impact of the fall, there are fractures in the face and ribs, resulting in bleeding in the lungs," a bulletin issued by the hospital said.

"Despite the severity of the head injury, emergency surgery is not required. The initial CT scan showed no severe fractures in the bones. After treatment, including sutures for the wounds, the patient's progress can only be assessed after 24 hours of observation," it said.

The incident occurred at 6.30pm when the MLA arrived on the stage during the cultural programmes in connection with 'Mridanga Nadam', a Guinness record attempt by 12,000 Bharatanatyam dancers, began at the stadium. The cultural programmes like music show and solo dance performances were being held on a makeshift stage with two platforms constructed near the VIP gallery of the stadium.

"The MLA grabbed the retractable ribbons and queue stands used as barriers on the edge of the platform. She lost her footing and fell off the stage, hitting her head against the concrete slab on the ground," said a police officer who was on duty near the venue. She started bleeding heavily and was rushed to the hospital by volunteers.

Many guests, including minister for culture Saji Cherian and Greater Cochin Development Authority chairman K Chandran Pillai, were present at the venue when the accident happened. Serious lapses on the part of the organizers led to the accident as there was limited space between the front row seat and the edge of the platform. GCDA authorities said the organizers had no permission to construct a makeshift stage on the gallery. "Our officials were present in the stadium. It was a mistake on the part of the organizers to construct such a stage. We will decide on the actions against them," said a GCDA official.

Meanwhile, the organizers clarified that the stage construction was carried out by the event management firm. Police sources said that a detailed inquiry will be conducted into alleged violations of safety protocols during the event. GCDA will also conduct a probe into the incident.

There were complaints that no medical team or rescue team was deployed at the ground. Fire and safety officials said that a fire engine and crew from Eloor fire station were on standby near the stadium. "The accident spot was far from our location, and those at the spot rushed her to hospital," a fire official said.

Health minister Veena George said that a team of medical experts from the health department will assess the health condition of the MLA. "The team led by Kottayam Medical College superintendent Dr Jayakumar will include specialists from both Kottayam and Ernakulam medical colleges. This is in addition to the medical board set up by the private hospital," Veena said.

Revenue minister K Rajan visited the hospital at night and assessed the situation.