‘Pushpa 2’ theatre stampede: Boy who suffocated showing signs of improvement; still critical | – Times of India

The eight-year-old boy, who suffocated and fell unconscious as crowds jostled at a theatre during the premiere show of actor Allu Arjun‘s ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’, is showing signs of improvement in certain aspects, though his condition remains critical, doctors said on Saturday. The boy’s 35-year-old mother died of asphyxiation in the incident which took place on Wednesday night when a large number of fans thronged the Sandhya theatre here to have a glimpse of the actor.
The city police have registered a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management under sections 105 and 118(1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Chikkadpally police station based on the complaint filed by the deceased woman’s family.

“(The boy) continues to remain critical but is showing signs of improvement in certain aspects – need of ventilatory support has reduced in terms of oxygen concentration and pressure, dose of inotropes required to maintain blood circulation could be reduced, fever intensity and number of spikes have reduced, he is tolerating feeds given by the nasogastric tube after gradually increasing its quantity,” the hospital said in a statement.

His sensorium still remains altered and he is not conscious yet. His blood investigations have shown improving trends. He is being treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with close monitoring, it further said.
Meanwhile, Aullu Arjun, in a press conference, reiterated that he would stand by the bereaved family. On Saturday, the makers organized a success meet where they paid condolences over the death of the fan in the stampede.

Addressing the media, Allu Arjun said, “The incident that took place in the Sandhya theatre is very unfortunate…I’m shocked. It took me hours to process it and respond to the incident. I couldn’t process it psychologically. It took me around 10 hours. We all blanked out when we heard the news. Sukumar sir also got extremely emotional. I will personally meet them later. We will always be there and try to support the family.”
Director Sukumar also took to the stage and reacted to the tragedy.

“I have worked for over 6 years on this film, but I’ve not been happy for 3 days now because a director is always sensitive. Irrespective of me working for 3 years or 6 years, I cannot create a life. My heart is broken due to what happened. I am very sorry for that…I apologise to the family and assure you, we will always support you,” he said.
Allu Arjun also announced an assistance of Rs 25 lakh to help the bereaved family.