Spectator gallery collapses during football match in Kerala, 55 injured

Pothanikad, Kerala Police have registered a case against six organizers of a local football tournament after a temporary spectator gallery collapsed during the final match on Saturday night, injuring at least 55 people, as per reports.

The incident occurred around 10.50 pm at the grounds of Malik Deenar Public School in Adivadu, Pallarimangalam. According to the police, the organizers failed to follow essential safety protocols and had overcrowded the gallery, exceeding its capacity.

Out of the 55 injured, 21 have been hospitalized. One individual has reportedly suffered a spinal injury, while another sustained a leg fracture.

The tournament, MK Maitheen Memorial Hero Youngs Mini All-India Sevens 2025, has been a regular annual event for the past 15 years, organized by the Hero Club to raise funds for various charitable causes.

Around 2,000 spectators had gathered to watch the final match. The temporary gallery, constructed using iron pipes and areca nut tree wood, reportedly collapsed due to the pressure of the crowd. 

Police are continuing their investigation and have charged the organizers with negligence and failure to ensure public safety.