Durga Puja light gate topples in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur, 2 grievously injured

A massive light gate erected for Durga Puja at Balikuda market in Jagatsinghpur gave way amid strong winds and heavy rainfall on Thursday morning, leaving two people seriously injured and causing disruption on the main road connecting Jagatsinghpur to Machhagaon.

Sources reported that the incident occurred around 10 am when the nearly 30-foot-tall and 20-foot-wide gate collapsed, crushing a brother-sister duo travelling on a motorcycle underneath.

Eyewitnesses stated that the girl sustained head injuries and was reportedly bleeding, while the boy also suffered significant trauma.

Immediate Rescue and Hospitalisation

Eyewitnesses said locals rushed to lift the bamboo poles and rescue the victims. Both were immediately admitted to Balikuda Group Health Centre for treatment.

Fire department officials quickly reached the site and began dismantling the remaining parts of the collapsed structure. Authorities noted that at least three more light gates of similar height are standing directly behind the collapsed one, prompting concerns over public safety.

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Structures Erected Despite Weather Warnings

The structures had been erected despite repeated warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) about heavy rain and strong winds.

Notably, Jagatsinghpur district has been placed under a red alert due to the deep depression over the west-central Bay of Bengal, which is steadily moving towards the Odisha-Andhra coast. 

The IMD has forecast that the system may cross the coast between Paradip and Gopalpur late Thursday night or early Friday morning, with heavy to very heavy rainfall expected over coastal Odisha, including Jagatsinghpur and Puri.

Traffic Disruption and Precautions

The collapse blocked the Jagatsinghpur-Machhagaon main road, causing traffic congestion and delays. Local authorities urged commuters to exercise caution while travelling and avoid the area until the debris is cleared.

The incident follows similar accidents in the state over the past 24 hours, including a light gate collapse at College Square near Ravenshaw University in Cuttack and a portion of the ceiling caving in at Raja Bagicha Durga Mandap, where three people were injured and rushed to SCB Medical College.