The collapsed truss, which was fitted with more than 30 heavy lights, lies on the grounds of MVSR Engineering College in Nadergul after the fatal incident during Dandiya celebrations.(Representational image)

Ground verification revealed that the rectangular truss, over 50 feet in length and raised 22 feet above the ground, was fitted with more than 30 lights weighing around 25 kg each. It was supported only by eight clamps on either side, with no excavation or metal rods pushed into the ground and no additional reinforcement to stabilise the structure.

Unable to bear the load, the truss collapsed when a breeze struck, sending the metal portions and lights crashing down. The incident killed Electrical and Electronics Engineering student Sonu Narayandas and injured several others.

The situation at MVSR College on Saturday remained tense, with protesters — including politicians, students and relatives — staging a sit‑in at the main arch, alleging negligence by the management and organisers.

“Just to save a few thousands of rupees, they killed a student, injured others and put hundreds of lives at stake,” said a protester, joined by BJP leader of Maheshwaram constituency Andela Sriramulu Yadav.

At Osmania General Hospital, the family of Sonu Narayandas was inconsolable. Relatives of other injured students expressed grief and anger at the hospital and outside the college.

Pointing to the college arch, a relative said: “This arch is around 40 feet and supported by four vertical columns. If a concrete structure needs four columns, why didn’t the management think about supporting a 50‑foot truss? It is a basic safety norm.”

Incidentally, on Sunday, the lights had been removed from the truss that was lying on the ground.

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