Pune, 6th April 2026: A 20-year-old student of Tolani Maritime Institute lost his life after a basketball backboard collapsed on him during a morning workout on campus. The incident has triggered concerns over the safety and maintenance of sports facilities.
The student, identified as Vishal Verma, was a second-year cadet pursuing a B.Tech course. A resident of Basti, he had joined the institute in 2024 and was expected to graduate in 2028.
According to initial reports, Vishal was doing pull-ups on the basketball hoop when the entire structure suddenly gave way. He suffered severe head injuries and heavy bleeding. Fellow students and staff immediately rushed him to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Institute principal Dr. Sanjeet Kanungo said the incident was unfortunate and confirmed that the student was using the hoop for exercise when the frame collapsed, causing fatal injuries. The institute has initiated an internal inquiry to determine the cause.
Police have also registered a case and begun an investigation. Officials are examining whether the structure was rusted or had defects in its fittings that may have led to the collapse.
