Congress MLA Uma Thomas Critically Injured in Fall at Kochi Stadium

In a tragic incident, Congress MLA Uma Thomas sustained severe injuries after reportedly falling from a gallery at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium on Sunday evening. The fall, estimated at a height of 20 feet, occurred during a cultural event where the legislator was present.

Immediate Medical Response

The injured legislator was rushed to a nearby private hospital by event organizers and volunteers. According to the hospital’s medical bulletin, Thomas suffered head and spinal cord injuries, fractures on her face and ribs, and internal bleeding in the lungs. She is currently on ventilator support and remains in critical condition under intensive care.

Reports indicate that Thomas struck her head on the concrete floor after the fall. The MLA, representing Thrikkakara, was attending the event when the accident occurred.

Official Updates and Medical Intervention

Kerala Minister P. Rajeev provided an update on her health, stating, “She is under treatment in the ICU. I have discussed the situation with the Chief Minister and the Health Minister. A team of medical experts will evaluate her condition and coordinate with the attending doctors to decide the course of treatment.”

Health Minister Veena George confirmed that a specialized team from the Health Department, led by Dr. Jayakumar, Superintendent of Kottayam Medical College, has been dispatched to assess Thomas’s condition. The team includes experts from Kottayam and Ernakulam Government Medical Colleges, as well as members of the hospital’s existing medical board.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan, who visited the hospital, expressed optimism, stating, “The immediate priority is to ensure the best possible medical care. Her condition is stabilizing.”

Incident Details

The accident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. when Thomas was heading to the dais for a cultural event inaugurated by Culture Affairs Minister Saji Cherian. According to Congress sources, the gallery lacked adequate safety measures, with a ribbon serving as the only barricade to separate the seating area from the edge of the platform.

A police official reported, “The MLA was engaged in a conversation near the edge of the gallery when she lost her balance and fell onto the concrete platform below. Blood began oozing from her head, and she was immediately transported to the hospital in a waiting ambulance.”

Allegations of Safety Lapses

Congress leaders have raised serious concerns about safety protocols at the stadium. Hibi Eden, MP, criticized the inadequate barricading in the VIP gallery, labeling the ribbon marking as insufficient for preventing such accidents.

Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya has since inspected the accident site and confirmed that a case would be registered to investigate the alleged lapses in security measures.

The incident has raised questions about safety protocols at public venues, particularly during high-profile events. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the recovery of MLA Uma Thomas, with the state government ensuring all necessary medical support.