Jabalpur: In a concerning turn of events, a stage collapse occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in injuries to seven individuals, including a police officer. The incident unfolded amidst the fervor of the Prime Minister’s roadshow, which marked the commencement of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Incident:
The rally, which took place on Sunday, was marred by the collapse of a platform designated for BJP supporters. The structure gave way as crowds surged onto it to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister, leading to a momentary state of disarray. The injured were promptly transported to Victoria Hospital for medical attention.
Official Statement:
City Superintendent of Police HR Pandey detailed the sequence of events, noting that the makeshift welcome stage on Rampur-Gorakhpur road crumbled as the Prime Minister’s convoy passed by. “The sudden influx of people onto the stage caused it to collapse,” Pandey explained. He further reported that four of the injured sustained fractures, while three others suffered minor wounds. The police acted swiftly to restore order amidst the chaos.
The Roadshow:
The roadshow, a vibrant display of support and cultural heritage, began at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh intersection at approximately 6:30 pm and concluded at the Adi Shankaracharya intersection in the Gorakhpur area around 7:15 pm. Tribal groups added to the spectacle with traditional dances, such as the ‘Badhaai Dance’ from the Bundelkhand region, celebrating the occasion with joyous performances. The air was filled with chants and slogans, echoing the enthusiasm of the attendees.
Dignitaries in Attendance:
Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by notable figures, including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, PWD Minister Rakesh Singh, and BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate for Jabalpur, Ashish Dubey. The Prime Minister initiated the event by paying homage to revered figures Bhagat Singh, Adi Shankaracharya, and Rani Durgavati, symbolizing the start of the roadshow.
The incident has cast a shadow over the otherwise festive event, raising concerns about safety measures at public gatherings. The authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to prevent such occurrences in the future.
