Child crushed by falling debris during Dahi Handi

A celebration of Janmashtami in Mumbai's Malad area concluded in tragedy on Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026. Seven-year-old Rudra Kadam was fatally injured when a brick column, part of a demolished structure, collapsed on him. The incident occurred as a group of children engaged in their own Dahi Handi celebration, with the rope tied between a tree and the unstable column.

The column, which had been left standing after a recent demolition drive by BMC, was reportedly structurally unsound. According to authorities, it was only supported at its base, leading to its collapse when subjected to the movement from the Dahi Handi activity. Rudra sustained severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at Malvani General Hospital.

Police have registered an accidental death report and are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The boy's family, including his father who works with an LPG cylinder agency and his mother who is a domestic worker, are grieving the loss of their son, who studied at a local BMC school.