Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas was seriously injured after falling from the stage during the 'Mridanga Naadam' dance event, held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday evening. The alarming incident unfolded as the MLA was engaging with attendees before her unfortunate descent.
According to eyewitness accounts, Thomas stepped onto the gallery, which was temporarily barricaded, when she lost her balance and fell approximately 20 feet onto the concrete floor below. The fall took place just before around 12,000 dancers were set to perform, led by actress and Bharatanatyam artist Divya Unni, aiming to achieve a Guinness World Record.
The MLA's injuries were severe, prompting immediate medical attention. Eyewitnesses reported seeing blood oozing from her head as volunteers quickly transported her to a nearby hospital. Initial attempts at providing aid suggested she was unconscious upon arrival, emphasizing the gravity of her condition.
Hospital authorities confirmed she sustained injuries to her brain, lungs, and spine. "Uma Thomas has not regained consciousness yet. The accident was serious enough to affect her consciousness, response, and memory. It is important to give her time to recover," explained the doctors treating her. They noted she was being closely monitored due to signs of blood clots, indicating serious trauma. Updates indicated she would remain on ventilator support as specialists conducted evaluations.
The incident raised immediate concerns about the safety protocols at the event. Reports emerged stating the stage where Thomas fell lacked adequate safety measures. Ernakulam district Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas pointed out the need for stricter safety requirements to prevent such accidents, emphasizing the injuries could have been avoided.
Despite the chaos, the event continued for some time following the fall, but it was officially concluded shortly after, once the severity of the incident became apparent. Minister Saji Cheriyan, who was present at the event, expressed his concern over the incident, stressing the importance of safety during such large public gatherings.
Dr. Krishnanunni Polakkulath, the medical director at Renai Medicity, provided the latest updates to the media. He stated, "We are concentrating on injuries in the brain and lungs. She is currently on ventilator and is being shifted to the operation theatre for suturing. There is no need for immediate intervention or surgery, but she is still unconscious and needs to be observed for 24 hours." This attested to the seriousness of her condition, as doctors evaluated her comprehensive health after such significant trauma.
A full-body X-ray was conducted, which revealed minor fractures and damage to her lungs. Hospital representatives noted, “Blood entered the lungs due to this,” highlighting the life-threatening nature of her lung injury. They clarified their efforts would continue to assess the extent of brain, lung, and spinal injuries, carefully checking for any hidden complications.
The fall from such height was particularly alarming, likened to falling from the height of a one-story building. This incident raises the need for review of safety conditions at similar events, especially those involving elevated platforms or stages where public figures and attendees gather. Those seeking attendance at these kinds of events are often unaware of the potential hazards.
Many have expressed their shock over the incident, which not only endangered the MLA’s life but has now sparked discussions around the safety of public events. The authorities, including health officials, have vowed to closely monitor Thomas's recovery and will reassess safety protocols to prevent any future occurrences.
While the community watches closely for updates on MLA Uma Thomas's health, her accident serves as a sobering reminder of the precarious nature of public events, and the absolute necessity for enhanced safety measures to protect attendees and officials alike.
Authorities urge the community to keep her and her family in their thoughts during this difficult time, as they hope for her swift recovery.