Kerala MLA Uma Thomas’ condition shows improvement, continues on ventilator support

Kerala Congress MLA Uma Thomas shows improvement after fall at stadium, head and spine injuries treated.

The condition of Kerala’s Congress legislator Uma Thomas, who had sustained severe injuries to the head and lungs after she fell from a gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium at Kaloor in Kochi, Kerala, on Sunday, showed significant improvement as she opened her eyes and responded positively to sensory examination on Tuesday (December 31, 2024).

A medical bulletin issued by the Renai Medicity Hospital after a meeting of the medical board stated that she responded to the commands by doctors around 7 a.m on Tuesday and moved her legs and hands. She also recognised her sons.

This reflected the progress in the treatment for her head and spine injuries. However, the condition of her lungs remained critical. But it is slightly better compared to the situation on Monday (December 30), according to Dr. Krishnanunni Polakulath, medical director of the hospital.

He said that a protracted intensive treatment will be required to resolve the multiple rib fractures and pulmonary contusion. Her vitals remain stable. She will remain on ventilator support for a few more days, he said.

Ms. Thomas, MLA representing the Thrikkakara Assembly constituency in Ernakulam, had sustained serious head and spine injuries after she fell from a height of approximately 15 feet from a VIP gallery at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium.

She reportedly hit her head on the concrete ground below. She was at the stadium to attend a mass dance event aimed at making it to the Guinness Book for the largest number of dancers (approximately 12,000 people) performing Bharatanatyam simultaneously.

An initial probe by the police had revealed safety lapses at the venue, including the lack of proper barricading on the temporary stage set up above the gallery.