SHILLONG, July 14: Three persons sustained minor injuries when a bamboo-made gallery, packed with spectators, collapsed during a match of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) between Mawlai SC and Ryntih FC at Third Ground, Polo Shillong, on Thursday.
The incident occurred when the supporters of Mawlai SC were celebrating the club’s first goal in the 45th minute. Mawlai SC eventually drubbed Ryntih FC by 5-0.
The Shillong Sports Association (SSA) had come up with the temporary gallery to accommodate local football fans for the SPL.
The police said the three injured were discharged after first aid.
SSA general secretary, SS Rapthap said the spectators were warned at the start of the match to be cautious and not to move around since it is a temporary gallery.
He said the capacity of the gallery is only for about 200 people. Over 1,000 people had turned up for the match. It was a relief that nobody was seriously injured, he said.
Rapthap said the match was not disrupted by the incident.
Meanwhile, the FKJGP held the state government responsible for the incident. It accused the government of failing on all fronts.
FKJGP vice president Kitboklang Nongphlang said the government’s lack of seriousness in ensuring quality work was reflected in the collapse of the Assembly dome, the gallery and cracks on several buildings.
“We condemn this incident. We demand that the government compensate for the treatment of all the injured persons,” Nongphlang said.
