The Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills is looking into the collapse of two temporary stands at Third Ground, Polo, during the Shillong Premier League (SPL) match.
The Shillong Sports Association (SSA), organisers of the SPL, had put up temporary bleachers for the benefit of spectators who wanted to come to the ground to watch the top tier of Shillong football. Things were fine for the first 18 matches but the 19th, yesterday, saw tremendous numbers of spectators as it was a public holiday and a meeting of two of the biggest clubs in the competition.
One section of the stand partially collapsed before the match had even started, while the second gave way after Mawlai scored their first goal. Dramatic footage of this was captured by local TV channels and others in attendance. At least two people were reported injured in the latter incident, one of whom was taken home in the on-field ambulance organised by the SSA.
“The district administration is inquiring into the incident of collapse of a makeshift spectator gallery at Polo Grounds during a football match yesterday where two persons were injured, and will be seeking clarification from the organisers of the event,” the DC’s office said on social media today. “Fitness and structural stability of temporary structures and ensuring seating as per capacity only is mandatory for public safety for all kinds of events. All organisers and the general public are to take note and exercise caution to prevent any unfortunate incidents.”
Police were seen to visit Third Ground today and speak to SSA officials, who are fully cooperating. Work was being undertaken today to fix the two collapsed bleachers.
