Kerala MLA Uma Thomas Seriously Injured in 20-Foot Fall; In Ventilator Support

Kochi, Kerala: Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas sustained severe injuries after falling from a VIP gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, on Sunday evening. Witnesses reported that the 20-foot fall occurred due to the narrow space between the front row seats and the edge of the gallery, which was barricaded only with a rope.

The impact left Ms Thomas with significant head injuries as she reportedly struck the concrete ground. Volunteers and bystanders rushed her to Renai Medicity Hospital, where she was immediately placed on ventilator support.

According to a medical bulletin issued on Sunday night, Ms Thomas arrived at the emergency department unconscious, with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8, indicating a severe condition. A CT scan revealed a Grade 2 Diffuse Axonal Injury to her brain. Additional injuries were found in her cervical spine, along with facial and rib fractures that caused internal bleeding in her lungs.

Dr Mishal Johny, a neurosurgeon at Renai Medicity, stated that emergency surgery is not required at this stage. Initial scans ruled out major fractures, and the medical team is focused on treating her brain and lung injuries. Dr Krishnanunni Polakkulath, the hospital’s medical director, noted that Ms Thomas has been shifted to the operating theatre for sutures. “She remains unconscious, and the next 24 hours will be critical for her recovery,” he said.

Ms Thomas is under the care of a multidisciplinary team in the intensive care unit. Her condition will be reassessed after further tests and observation. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at the stadium, particularly the inadequate barricading of the gallery.