Mumbai Dahi Handi Tragedy: 7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Brick Column Collapses in Malad
A seven-year-old boy, Rudra Kadam, died after a brick column collapsed on him during Dahi Handi celebrations in Malad West on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at Ekta Welfare Society in Chikuwadi, Malvani, around 3 pm. He was rushed to Malvani General Hospital but was declared brought dead. At least 118 Govindas were also injured across Mumbai.
A seven-year-old boy died after a brick column collapsed on him during Dahi Handi celebrations in Malad West on Saturday afternoon, September 5. The incident took place at Ekta Welfare Society in Chikuwadi, Malvani, around 3 pm, when a group of children were tying a handi between a tree and a brick column of a single-storey structure.
The column collapsed during the preparations, striking Rudra Kadam, 7, on the head, Times of India reported. He was rushed to Malvani General Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Kadam is survived by his father, a labourer, and mother, a domestic worker. Pune Dahi Handi Tragedy: 45-Year-Old Woman Crushed to Death After Iron Structure Collapses (Video).
Brick Column Collapses During Dahi Handi
According to preliminary information, the children were tying the handi to a tree on one end and to the brick column on the other. The brick column gave way and fell on Kadam, causing severe injuries to his head.
He was taken to Malvani General Hospital for emergency treatment but was declared brought dead on arrival. The incident occurred as Dahi Handi celebrations were underway across Mumbai on Saturday. Mumbai: 32 Injured During Dahi Handi Celebrations, 28 Discharged from Hospitals.
118 Govindas Injured Across Mumbai
The celebrations also resulted in injuries to at least 118 Govindas across the city. Five injured Govindas had been admitted to hospitals, while 80 others were undergoing treatment as of 6 pm.
The highest number of injuries was reported from hospitals in central Mumbai, which recorded 83 injured Govindas. Of these, 67 were still under treatment while 15 had been discharged by the afternoon.
Hospitals in the eastern suburbs reported 21 injured Govindas, while 14 injuries were reported from the western suburbs. The injuries were reported during the traditional celebrations, which involve human pyramids being formed to reach and break an earthen pot, or handi, suspended above the ground.
Govinda Association Offers Assistance
Shrikrishna Padelkar, president of the Maharashtra State Govinda Association, said assistance would be provided to injured participants through the insurance cover offered by the state government.
"We are providing all necessary support to all Govindas in terms of providing medical and financial aid through the insurance provided by the state government. Govindas and their pathaks or family can approach us for any assistance," said Shrikrishna Padelkar, president, Maharashtra State Govinda Association.
The association said Govindas and their pathaks or families could approach it for assistance with medical and financial support. The Malad incident highlights the risks that can arise around Dahi Handi celebrations, not only during human-pyramid formations but also while arrangements are being made at celebration venues.
In the Malvani case, the preliminary information indicates that the boy was struck while children were securing the handi between a tree and a brick column. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the collapse and any official action are awaited.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 09:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
