Tragedy Strikes Surajkund International Crafts Mela as Swing Collapse Claims Inspector's Life
A devastating incident unfolded at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad on Saturday evening, resulting in the death of a police inspector and injuries to twelve others. The collapse of a swing at the popular fair has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting safety concerns at large public events.
Details of the Fatal Accident
The swing gave way around 6 pm, causing immediate panic and chaos among attendees. Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who was on duty at the mela, rushed to the scene to assist in rescue operations. Tragically, during these efforts, a part of the collapsed structure crushed him, leading to severe injuries.
All injured individuals, including Inspector Prasad, were swiftly transported to the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals, Inspector Prasad succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the hospital. The other twelve victims are receiving care, with their conditions being closely monitored.
Official Response and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner Ayush Singh expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "A total of 13 people were injured in the unfortunate incident, out of which one has died. It is unfortunate. We will take strict action against the vendor concerned." He emphasized that authorities are committed to ensuring accountability and preventing such tragedies in the future.
District officials, including Deputy Commissioner Ayush Singh, the Managing Director of Tourism, and senior police officers, arrived at the spot promptly after the collapse. The area was immediately barricaded to prevent further mishaps and facilitate rescue operations. A spokesperson for the Faridabad police provided additional context, noting that Inspector Prasad was from Palwal and was actively engaged in rescue attempts when the swing fell on one side, injuring him critically.
Background on the Surajkund Mela
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela is an annual event held in February at Surajkund, Faridabad. Organized by the Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, and External Affairs, it has been a cultural staple since 1987. Widely regarded as one of the largest crafts fairs globally, the mela serves as a vital platform to showcase and preserve India's rich diversity of handicrafts, handlooms, folk arts, traditional paintings, metalwork, pottery, woodcraft, and regional cuisines.
This year's edition began on January 31 and is scheduled to continue until February 15, with the theme "Local to Global – Atmanirbhar Bharat." The incident has cast a shadow over the festivities, raising questions about safety protocols at such large-scale gatherings.
Previous Safety Incidents
Earlier on the same day, a gate near the Food Court had fallen due to strong winds, as reported by attendees. This prior incident underscores potential vulnerabilities in the infrastructure at the mela, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and rigorous inspections.
As investigations proceed, authorities are focusing on ensuring the well-being of the injured and implementing stricter regulations to avert similar accidents. The loss of Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a dedicated officer involved in rescue efforts, has been mourned by the community, with tributes pouring in for his bravery and service.
