Kochi: A woman sustained injuries after slipping on a plywood plank and falling during the flower show at Marine Drive on Wednesday night, resulting in a fractured hand.

The flower show, organized by the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticulture Society and GCDA, was immediately halted, citing safety concerns. The incident occurred just days after a similar mishap involving Congress MLA Uma Thomas at a dance event at Kaloor Stadium in Kochi.

Authorities from the Corporation and GCDA faced sharp criticism for inadequate safety measures and the poor condition of the event venue.

The injured woman is identified as Bindhu Jose, a Kadavanthra native.The mishap took place when Bindhu slipped on a plywood plank placed over muddy ground at the venue and fell on the ground. Water accumulation had made the area slippery, leading the organisers to place plywood planks as a temporary solution. However, this arrangement turned out to be hazardous. The injured woman was immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors have prescribed surgery.

Bindhu’s husband, Jose, has alleged negligence from the side of programme organisers. He also claimed that ambulance services were unavailable at the venue, forcing him to rush his wife to the hospital in his personal vehicle. The family has filed complaints with the GCDA Secretary and the District Collector regarding the incident.

The ten-day event was originally scheduled to conclude on Thursday. However, following the accident, the Kochi Corporation issued a stop memo, leading to the suspension of the flower show by midday. No official statement has been provided by the organisers regarding the incident or the suspension of the event.