Kerala: Over 200 People Injured As Spectator Gallery Collapses During Football Match — WATCH

According to reports, over 8,000 people had flocked to the stadium to watch the final match of the All India Sevens Football Tournament.

Gallery collapses during a football match at Poongod in Kerala's Malappuram. (Image: Screenshot of video from ANI)

New Delhi: A temporary gallery installed at the LP School ground in Kerala's Malappuram district collapsed on Saturday evening during a local football match, leaving over 200 people injured. At least 15 of them are reportedly in a critical condition.

A video has surfaced that shows the gallery with over 200 people collapsing and the floodlight stand falling on the people who tried to run to safety. People on the other side of the gallery rushed to save them. The accident occurred at the Poongod stadium in Malappuram where the All India Sevens Football Tournament was being played.

"Temporary gallery collapsed during a football match in Poongod at Malappuram yesterday; Police say around 200 people suffered injuries including five with serious injuries," news agency ANI reported.

#WATCH Temporary gallery collapsed during a football match in Poongod at Malappuram yesterday; Police say around 200 people suffered injuries including five with serious injuries#Kerala pic.twitter.com/MPlTMPFqxV

— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2022

The number of spectators who had flocked to the stadium was said to be more than the seating capacity of the gallery, Matrubhumi reported. According to the report, police said over 8,000 people had flocked to the stadium to watch the final match of the All India Sevens Football Tournament, and the east stand held over 3,000 people, which is way higher than its capacity. The gallery collapsed just before the final match began.

According to the Matrubhumi report, the Malappuram superintendent of police said that stern action would be taken again the organisers, and their department will conduct an investigation into the matter.

Several injured persons have been admitted to Manjeri Medical College and Hospital, while some were discharged after first aid, said the report. The injured also included children.