A female engineering student died and at least 16 others were injured after a lighting truss collapsed during a Dandiya event at MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul, on the outskirts of Hyderabad, on the night of 18 October 2026. The incident occurred during Sangamam-2026, a two-day national-level technical and cultural fest organised by the college.

What Happened

Narayandas Sona, 18, a first-year B.Tech student originally from Wanaparthy district, sustained critical injuries when the lighting structure gave way without warning, triggering panic among attendees. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital but died while undergoing treatment. The collapse occurred at the college campus located in Adibatla Rangareddy district, Telangana.

Preliminary findings by police indicate that strong winds caused the lighting system to collapse. Of the 16 injured students, 10 have since been discharged from hospital, while the remaining were shifted to Yashoda Hospital for further care, according to police.

Allegations of Negligence

Several students and their parents alleged that the college management was negligent in setting up the event infrastructure. They have demanded strict action against those deemed responsible for the structural failure. The truss collapse has raised questions about safety protocols and structural checks at large college fests — particularly those involving temporary lighting rigs and outdoor or semi-outdoor stages.

This comes amid a broader pattern of safety lapses reported at crowded festive and college cultural events across India, where temporary infrastructure is often erected by third-party vendors under minimal regulatory oversight.

Political Reaction

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed shock over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased student. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and ordered that those responsible for the accident be identified and face strict action.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao called the incident a source of 'profound shock and grief,' extended condolences to the bereaved family, and urged authorities to provide the best medical care to those still recovering.

About Sangamam-2026

Sangamam-2026 was a two-day national-level fest designed to bring together students from colleges across the country to display technical skills, innovative ideas, and cultural talent. The Dandiya event — a traditional dance celebration associated with the Navratri festival — was one of the cultural segments of the fest. Police have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the collapse.

Investigation and Next Steps

A police team was deployed at the campus immediately after the accident, and a case has been registered. Investigators are examining whether the truss met structural safety standards and whether the event organiser carried out adequate risk assessments before the fest. The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine accountability for the death of Narayandas Sona and injuries to her peers.