A 34-year-old participant died after a human pyramid collapsed during a Dahi Handi event in Airoli, Navi Mumbai, on Saturday night, according to a report by Loksatta – Navi Mumbai. The incident took place at around 8.30 p.m. at Sainathwadi, where a Dahi Handi celebration had been organised by the Devidas Chougule Pratishthan.
The deceased was identified as Swapnil Sadanand Navar, a resident of the Koliwada area in Ghansoli. He was part of a Govinda team that was attempting to reach the earthen pot by forming a human pyramid when the structure suddenly lost balance and collapsed.
Several participants fell during the incident. Navar sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital by citizens and fellow team members. Doctors examined him and declared him dead, the report said.
The incident has caused grief in Ghansoli’s Koliwada area and in Airoli. Navar had left home to participate in the festival, according to the report.
Rabale police reached the site after receiving information about the incident. An accidental-death report has been registered at Rabale police station. Police are examining the circumstances in which the human pyramid collapsed, including the number of tiers involved and other factors connected with the incident.
The exact cause of death and the circumstances leading to the collapse are expected to become clearer after the investigation. The incident has again brought attention to safety arrangements for Govindas and event-management precautions during Dahi Handi celebrations.
