12-year-old suffers spinal fractures as basketball pole collapses in Gurugram society

A 22-year-old basketball player suffered serious injuries at Antriksh Heights society in Sector 84 when an iron basketball pole suddenly collapsed during a practice session on the society’s court.

While two other players managed to jump out of the way, the 22-year-old son of a doctor was unable to escape and was struck by the falling structure. The incident triggered panic among those present on the court. Fellow players and residents quickly rushed to his aid, pulling him out from under the pole. They rushed him to a hospital where doctors said the player sustained severe back injuries, including fractures to his spine.

Earlier, a national-level player named Hardik died in Rohtak after a 750-kilogram basketball pole fell on him. In a similar case, another player had died in Bahadurgarh, Jhajjar.

According to residents, the incident occurred around 7:15 PM on Monday while children from the society were playing their daily practice match on the basketball court. Suddenly, during the game, an iron pole collapsed. It fell on Kartik, leaving him bloodied and causing him to collapse on the spot. Hearing the screams, society security guards and people present nearby immediately rushed to the scene.

Kartik was immediately admitted to the nearby hospital, where he is undergoing treatment in the emergency ward. According to doctors, Kartik sustained severe injuries to his back in the accident, suffering fractures at three different points along his spine. His condition remains critical but stable.

Following the incident, furious residents allege that the iron pole on the basketball court had been rusted for a long time and was severely dilapidated. Furthermore, the pole had not been properly anchored in the ground with concrete, causing it to lean to one side.

Residents stated that players and other society members had repeatedly complained to the management about the pole's poor condition. It is alleged that despite repeated warnings, the management completely ignored the issue and failed to take any corrective action.

The residents of the society categorically state that this is no ordinary accident; rather, it is entirely the result of gross negligence and criminal laxity on the part of the management. A complaint has been lodged with the local police, in which the victim's family and society members are demanding the registration of an FIR and the strictest possible legal action against the culpable management and maintenance team.

“We are investigating the matter and action will be taken as per the law after verifying the facts. The injured child is stable and admitted in the hospital. A probe is underway," said inspector Krishan Kumar, SHO of Kherki Daula police station.