Mangaluru: One 16-year-old student was declared brain-dead and five others were injured after a supporting wall collapsed during a college students’ union event at Rama Laxminarayan Convention Hall in Emmekere, Mangaluru, on Saturday, September 26. Police said overcrowding at the venue and the weakened condition of the wall were preliminary factors behind the incident.
The incident occurred during the ceremony for the newly elected office-bearers of the Dakshina Kannada District All College Students’ Association. A large number of students had gathered at the convention hall for the programme.
According to police, the crowding forced several students to stand in a corridor outside the main gathering area. Some of them reportedly leaned against a supporting parapet wall, which was apparently weak and subsequently collapsed.
16-year-old student declared brain-dead
The deceased victim was identified as Mohammed Shamaj, 16, a resident of Haleyangadi. He was reportedly standing on the ground floor when a portion of the parapet wall collapsed onto him.
Shamaj was among the injured students taken to Highland Hospital in Mangaluru. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and was later declared brain-dead after failing to respond to treatment, according to police and hospital-related reports.
The other injured students were identified as Mohammed Shanan Ahmed, 18, from Surinje; Haneef, 23, from Adyar; Dawood Farsin Ahmed, 18, from Gandhinagar in Kavoor; and Mohammed Shakeel Hussain, 18, from Kasba Bengre. They were shifted to hospital for treatment.
Students gathered for union office-bearers’ ceremony
The convention hall had hosted the installation ceremony of the new office-bearers of the Dakshina Kannada District All College Students’ Association.
Police said a large number of students attended the programme, resulting in overcrowding inside the venue. Several students reportedly moved to the corridor outside and leaned against the supporting wall.
Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the wall was in a weakened condition and that the additional weight of students leaning against it led to its collapse. The falling structure caused students to fall from the upper level to the ground, resulting in multiple injuries.
The incident reportedly took place shortly after the installation ceremony had concluded and guests had left the venue. MLC Ivan D’Souza was among those who attended the programme, according to The New Indian Express.
Questions raised over building condition
The incident has also raised questions about the condition and maintenance of the convention hall.
A student who witnessed the incident told reporters that the building was old and alleged that its maintenance may have contributed to the collapse. The student also raised questions about the arrangements at the venue, particularly considering the large number of students who had gathered for the event.
These allegations have not been independently established. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse, including the condition of the structure and the arrangements made for the event.
Police begin investigation
Pandeshwar Police are investigating the incident. Authorities are expected to examine the structural condition of the wall, the crowd management arrangements and the circumstances that led to students gathering in the corridor.
The investigation will also determine whether any lapses in safety arrangements or maintenance contributed to the collapse.
The incident has highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate safety measures at venues hosting large student gatherings. Structural safety and crowd management become particularly important when large numbers of people are present in older buildings.
Hospital treatment continues
The injured students were taken to Highland Hospital following the collapse. While the 16-year-old victim was initially admitted in critical condition, subsequent reports said he was declared brain-dead.
The remaining injured students are receiving medical treatment. Further details about their condition are expected as the hospital and police continue to assess the incident.
Conclusion
The Mangaluru convention hall incident has left one 16-year-old student brain-dead and injured five others after a supporting wall collapsed during a students’ union event. Police have attributed the preliminary cause to overcrowding and the weakened wall, while questions over the building’s condition and safety arrangements are being examined as part of the investigation.