A lecturer from Tumakuru sustained serious leg injuries after falling into a deep gorge while filming a reel at the popular Devarayanadurga Hill, raising fresh concerns over risky social media trends
A leisure trip to Devarayanadurga Hill in Karnataka's Tumakuru district turned into a life-threatening incident after a college lecturer fell into a deep gorge while filming a social media reel from a steep rock. Alert locals and devotees rescued the injured man, who is now undergoing treatment at Siddaganga Hospital. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers of attempting risky stunts for social media content at tourist destinations.
Tumakuru: A college lecturer from Tumakuru district suffered serious injuries after falling into a deep gorge while filming a social media reel at Devarayanadurga Hill, one of Karnataka's most popular historical and tourist destinations. The incident has reignited concerns over the growing trend of risking lives to create social media content at hazardous locations.
The injured lecturer has been identified as Shivaprasad, a native of Ballapura in Tumakuru taluk. He is currently serving as a lecturer at a pre-university (PU) college in Arasikere, Hassan district.
Tumakuru Lecturer Falls While Filming a Reel at Devarayanadurga Hill
According to preliminary information, Shivaprasad had visited Devarayanadurga Hill for a holiday. Captivated by the scenic surroundings, he reportedly decided to film a reel for social media from a rocky viewpoint behind the Devarayanadurga temple.
Police and local sources said he climbed onto a steep and dangerous rock to capture the video. While recording the reel, he allegedly lost his balance, slipped and plunged into a deep gorge several hundred feet below.
The sudden fall created panic among devotees and tourists present in the area.
"The lecturer reportedly slipped from a steep rock while filming a reel and fell into a deep gorge near the temple."
Tumakuru Locals and Devotees Launch Swift Rescue Operation
Witnesses immediately alerted nearby residents and devotees, who rushed to the accident spot.
Displaying remarkable courage, locals carefully descended into the gorge and managed to rescue Shivaprasad despite the difficult terrain. Their timely intervention is believed to have prevented a fatal outcome.
After being brought to safety, the injured lecturer was shifted to Siddaganga Hospital in Tumakuru for emergency medical treatment.
Tumakuru Lecturer Suffers Serious Injuries to Both Legs
Doctors treating Shivaprasad said he sustained serious injuries to both legs due to the impact of the fall.
Hospital sources said he remains under medical observation and is receiving specialised treatment. Fortunately, doctors have indicated that he is currently out of danger.
"Doctors said the injured lecturer sustained serious leg injuries but is presently out of danger."
Dangerous Reel Trend Raises Fresh Safety Concerns
The incident has once again drawn attention to the increasing number of accidents linked to people attempting to create social media reels, selfies and videos at dangerous tourist destinations.
In recent years, several such incidents have been reported from waterfalls, hilltops, cliffs and other scenic locations, where visitors have ignored safety precautions in pursuit of viral online content.
The latest accident has generated widespread discussion, particularly because the victim is an educator, prompting many to stress the importance of responsible behaviour at tourist sites.
Tumakuru Public Demands Stronger Safety Measures at Tourist Spots
Following the incident, local residents have urged tourists to avoid climbing unsafe rocks or entering restricted areas merely to capture photographs or videos for social media.
Many have also appealed to the district administration to strengthen safety arrangements at Devarayanadurga Hill by installing additional warning boards, protective barricades and surveillance at vulnerable locations.
Residents believe enhanced safety infrastructure and public awareness campaigns could help prevent similar accidents in the future.
"Locals have urged authorities to improve safety measures and appealed to visitors to avoid risking their lives for social media content."
Police have advised tourists to strictly follow safety guidelines while visiting hill stations and heritage sites, warning that a moment of carelessness can lead to life-threatening consequences.
