Mumbai School Horror: Class 7 Student Suffers Spinal Injury After Birthday Bumps, Parents Allege Negligence

Mumbai is grappling with a deeply disturbing incident where a joyous occasion tragically morphed into a life-altering event. A Class 7 student at Vibgyor High School in Goregaon, Mumbai, has reportedly sustained a severe spinal injury, fracturing his C5 and C6 vertebrae, allegedly after receiving 'friendly birthday bumps' from classmates.

The incident has cast a dark shadow over the school, with the student's parents vehemently accusing the administration of gross negligence and downplaying the gravity of their son's condition.

The ordeal began for young Vihaan Gala on August 16, 2023, when what should have been a celebratory moment turned into a nightmare.

According to his parents, Vihaan was subjected to the traditional 'birthday bumps' – a practice where the birthday celebrant is lifted and playfully bumped into the air. However, the seemingly innocent act led to immediate discomfort for Vihaan, who complained of neck pain.

What followed, his parents claim, was a distressing lack of urgency and transparency from the school.

Despite Vihaan's complaints, the school allegedly did not immediately inform his parents about the full extent of the incident. It was only after a subsequent visit to a doctor that the horrifying truth emerged: Vihaan had suffered serious fractures in his C5 and C6 vertebrae, a diagnosis that could have severe long-term consequences, including potential paralysis.

The Gala family's anguish is palpable as they recount their harrowing experience.

They contend that the school's response was not just inadequate but potentially negligent, citing delayed communication, a failure to ensure immediate, comprehensive medical assessment, and an attempt to downplay the seriousness of Vihaan's pain. They allege that the school initially dismissed his discomfort as minor, rather than recognizing it as a potential spinal emergency.

In contrast, Vibgyor High School, Goregaon, has issued a statement maintaining that they adhered to all standard protocols.

The school claims to have provided immediate first aid to Vihaan and informed his parents of the incident. However, this assertion stands in stark opposition to the family's narrative, fueling their determination to seek justice for their son.

This harrowing incident has ignited a crucial conversation about student safety and accountability within educational institutions.

Parents across the city are left questioning the supervisory measures in place and the school's preparedness to handle emergencies, especially those arising from seemingly innocuous playground activities. The practice of 'birthday bumps,' while often seen as harmless fun, has tragically demonstrated its potential for devastating consequences.

The Gala family is now pursuing legal avenues, determined to hold the school accountable for what they perceive as a profound lapse in duty of care.

Their fight for justice aims not only to ensure appropriate care and compensation for Vihaan but also to prevent similar incidents from befalling other students, urging schools to re-evaluate and reinforce their safety policies and emergency response mechanisms.