'Next thing I saw was...': Saji Cherian shares eyewitness account of how tragedy struck Uma Thomas

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Minister Saji Cherian on Thursday said that there was a lack of adequate safety measures at the mega dance event where tragedy struck, as MLA Uma Thomas met with an accident during the inauguration ceremony. According to Cherian, the stage was 15 feet high from the ground and should have been equipped with barricades to prevent any accidents. He described the absence of barricades as a grave lapse.

"I was the first to mention that there was a security lapse. The stage was 15 feet high from the ground, and there was a lack of space. Barricades should have been used in front to ensure that no accidents occurred. I observed this. Due to the height, none of us moved forward. We remained seated on the chairs. The lamp (meant for inaugural by litting) was at the back," the minister told Mathrubhumi News.

"It was only after the trial of the event had started that Uma Thomas arrived. She sat down there. Later, she realised that people, including myself, were present and stood up. I also stood up to greet her. She smiled at me cheerfully. The next thing I saw was her falling down after holding the stand with the ribbon. I immediately shouted for help.  People quickly lifted her and moved her to the ambulance," he added.

The minister further explained that there was enough space on the stage for one person to walk. "The area should have been secured with strong barricades. This is a serious lapse, and it is being investigated. This incident serves as a lesson for us. Moving forward, we must ensure that proper safety standards are set to prevent such accidents," he said.

Saji Cherian also mentioned that shortly after Uma Thomas fell, Hibi Eden arrived. "I spoke to him. The organisers had a problem with the lamp not being lit. We quickly lit the lamp, and both Hibi and I left the area. After that, I do not know what happened there. I think he (Hibi) also does not know what happened," he added.