1 dead as 50-foot pole collapses at religious event in Gujarat

As seen in footage captured by drones that was accessed by The Indian Express, while the pole was being hoisted with about eight ropes tied to it from different sides, one of the ropes snapped, leading to the pole swerving to one side and then collapsing to the ground. Due to the impact, people holding on to another rope on the opposite side got pulled towards the pole. Among those who were flung by the force was Vanraj Navghan Goraniya. He sustained grievous injuries on his head and died.

Vanraj Navghan Goraniya

Additional Superintendent of Police, Porbandar City Division, Sahitya V, said: “The incident took place at around 7 am when the pole, which had a flag on its top, was being hoisted. It was massive and had to be pulled by ropes. One of the ropes snapped, leading to people holding another getting flung due to the impact, and causing one death.”

Meanwhile, police officers said that several women, who had been awake all night and then were caught in the middle of a hullabaloo in the morning, fainted and were admitted to the district hospital.

Around 10,000 people attended the event (File)

The police said that the incident could have easily led to more casualties had it not for the additional police force deployed at the venue that was done in the light of the recent tragedy in Bengaluru where a stampede killed 11 while people were celebrating the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory.

Inspector R C Kanamiya of Kamlabaug police station said that usually, 35-40 personnel are deployed at the festival venue, but following the recent tragedy in Karnataka, 170 personnel, 13 PSI and 3 inspectors had been deployed.

The hoisting of the pole was the last part of the celebrations. However, after the collapse, the celebrations had to be ended and the devotees dispersed.

PI Kanamiya said that the body of the deceased was sent for a post mortem examination, adding that an Accidental Death (AD) report was filed in the matter. An investigation into the matter is being conducted to find out if there was any negligence on the organisers’ part that could have led to the snapping of the rope and the subsequent collapse of the pole.