Tragedy Strikes: Investigation into Student’s Death at Amusement Park
On February 25, tragedy struck at the Imagicaa Theme Park in Khalapur, as a Class 8 student from a municipal school, Ayush Dharmendra Singh, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest during a picnic. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) swiftly responded by forming a three-member committee to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Committee Formed to Unravel the Tragic Events
Commissioner Kailas Shinde of the NMMC announced the formation of a committee tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ayush’s untimely demise. The committee, comprising an additional municipal commissioner and two deputy municipal commissioners, will delve into the organization of the educational trip, evaluate safety protocols, and gather testimonies from education department officials and accompanying teachers.
As per reports, a total of 6,666 students from 35 municipal schools, accompanied by 557 teachers and staff members, participated in the excursion to the amusement park in phases from February 17 to 25. Ayush was among the group of 1,018 students and 84 staff members who arrived at the theme park on February 25. Tragically, while at the park, Ayush suddenly felt unwell, prompting him to sit down on a bench before collapsing.
Quick actions were taken to rush Ayush to the primary health center, with the assistance of park staff and teachers, but unfortunately, he passed away before reaching the hospital. Subsequent medical examinations revealed that Ayush’s demise was due to a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves through the community.
Questions Raised Over Safety Measures and Trip Planning
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, political parties within Maharashtra raised concerns regarding the safety measures and planning surrounding educational outings. The Maharashtra Nav Nirman Sena (MNS) expressed apprehensions about potential irregularities in the tendering process for such trips, while the Maharashtra Swarajya Paksha demanded accountability from NMMC officials.
Umesh Jungare, the district president of Maharashtra Swarajya Paksha, highlighted discrepancies in the educational value of amusement park visits, citing a government resolution from 2017 that emphasizes educational aspects in school excursions. Additionally, he questioned the timing of the trip during high temperatures, rather than the usual cooler months of November and December.
The Shiv Sena faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, echoed concerns about the planning and execution of the ill-fated trip, emphasizing the need for educational excursions over entertainment-focused outings. Zonal head Siddhram Shilwant emphasized the importance of clarifying the intentions behind such trips, especially in light of the tragic consequences that befell Ayush.
As the community grapples with the loss of a bright young student, the investigation launched by the NMMC aims to shed light on the events leading up to this tragedy, offering a glimpse into the safety protocols and planning procedures surrounding educational outings. In the quest for answers and accountability, the memory of Ayush serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of students during all school-related activities.
