On Sunday morning, a significant incident occurred in Kanpur as numerous candidates preparing for the Uttar Pradesh BEd Joint Entrance Examination fell into a sewage drain after a concrete slab collapsed. The slab was situated outside HN Mishra PG College, where many aspirants were queuing at a nearby photocopy shop to obtain copies of their required documents prior to entering the examination centre.

Witnesses reported that the area was crowded with candidates and their families, all trying to gather the necessary paperwork before the exam. The old concrete slab became overwhelmed by the collective weight of the individuals standing on it. Unfortunately, the slab gave way, resulting in approximately 20 to 25 people falling into the drain filled with sewage. The situation quickly stirred panic among those present.

Local residents and fellow examinees hurried to assist those who had fallen, providing immediate help to pull them out of the drain. Initial reports indicated that four candidates suffered minor injuries during the chaos, while other belongings, including admit cards and clothing, were reportedly damaged. One guardian required hospital treatment for their injuries, as per police statements.

Police Response and Remarks

Following the incident, police forces arrived promptly to manage the situation and ensure order in the area. ACP Colonelganj, Chitranshu Gautam, noted that the accident was primarily due to the overcrowding on the old slab. He emphasised the need for caution in such public spaces, stating that the structure was not able to support the weight of so many people at once.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal confirmed that the candidates had gathered in the Nagar Nigam market to secure photocopies of their documents for the examination. He mentioned that the slab’s collapse was due to the excessive number of people on it, though he was relieved to report that no fatalities occurred. Assistance was provided to those injured, and candidates continued to their examination centres without further incident after the mishap.

Despite the disruption caused by the collapse, police maintained that all candidates successfully reached their intended examination locations. The examination took place under strict security protocols across 19 centres in the city, illustrating the determined efforts to maintain scheduled operations despite the unforeseen event.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The incident elicited a strong reaction from witnesses, many of whom voiced their dissatisfaction and concerns regarding the state of public infrastructure in the area surrounding the examination venue. Candidates and their parents gathered to express their grievances, suggesting negligence on the part of local authorities for allowing such hazardous conditions.

Shalu Shukla, a concerned parent whose daughter was among those affected, shared her distress after receiving a phone call from her child. She relayed that her daughter was upset after falling into the sewage, stating, “Her clothes were ruined, and she was terrified. This happened because of negligence.” Shukla’s sentiments reflected widespread frustration among parents in similar situations.

Candidate Khushi from Hanspuram in Naubasta also highlighted issues related to communication regarding requirements for the exam. She claimed last-minute notifications regarding necessary photocopies led to increased rush and chaos at the photocopy shops, contributing to the unfortunate situation at the site. The accident raised pertinent questions about the infrastructure that supports significant public functions such as examinations, prompting calls for improvements.

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