Thu Jan 02 17:10:32 UTC 2025: **Kochi Flower Show Shut Down After Visitor Suffers Severe Injuries**
KOCHI, INDIA (January 2, 2025) – The Cochin Flower Show, a joint event by the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticultural Society and the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), was abruptly shut down on Thursday following a serious accident. A 55-year-old woman, Bindu Joseph, suffered multiple fractures to her left hand after a fall at the Marine Drive venue.
Joseph fell after stepping on a carelessly placed plywood board, reportedly used to help visitors avoid muddy areas. Her husband, Joseph P.G., stated that the organizers lacked first aid and he had to transport his injured wife to the hospital with the help of a bystander. Mrs. Joseph has since undergone surgery.
The incident prompted immediate action from the Kochi Corporation, which issued a stop memo, suspending the show and cancelling the scheduled valedictory function. Flower sales will resume on Friday.
The family has filed complaints with the District Collector and the GCDA. However, officials from the Agri-Horticultural Society claim they were unaware of the incident until it was reported by the media, despite being present at the venue until 11 p.m. the previous night. They maintain that the plywood platforms, in place for several days, had not previously caused issues. The incident follows a separate accident involving MLA Uma Thomas, further contributing to the decision to halt the event.
First Piper 