On January 18, 2024, Sanjay Shah, the CEO of Vistex, a US-based company, tragically lost his life in an accident during a corporate event at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, India. The accident happened while the company was celebrating its 25th anniversary. Shah and Vistex’s President, Vishwanath Raju Datla, were being lowered onto the stage in an iron cage when a wire supporting the cage snapped, causing it to plummet approximately 15 feet onto the concrete floor.
56-year-old Shah was declared dead following the accident, while Datla, who suffered severe injuries, is in critical condition.
Born in Mumbai, India, Shah relocated to the United States for his education. He earned an MBA from Lehigh University at the age of 21. Shah established Vistex in 1999, a company that provides revenue management solutions to clients such as GM, Yamaha, and Coca-Cola. Under Shah’s guidance, Vistex grew internationally and earned a reputation in the tech sector.
The chilling incident was recorded on video, which shows the yellow iron cage being lowered from near the top of the venue amidst fireworks. The cage can be seen shaking before one side abruptly drops, resulting in Shah and Datla’s fall. The company’s employees, who were present to commemorate the company’s milestone, were witnesses to the tragic event.
An investigation into the accident has been initiated, focusing on the cause of the wire breaking and potential negligence. The safety standards at the event venue and the delay in emergency response have come under scrutiny. It took an estimated 15-20 minutes for the victims to be transported to the hospital, raising questions about the adequacy of emergency services at the site.
Ramoji Film City, a well-known film studio and event venue, is now under investigation. A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the management of Ramoji Film City and the event organizers for causing death by negligence and endangering life. The police are awaiting expert reports regarding the subpar 6mm iron cable that broke during the stunt.
The unfortunate death of Sanjay Shah has led to a broader conversation about safety standards in India. Many have voiced concerns about cost being prioritized over safety and a cultural attitude towards risk and improvisation. The incident has also raised awareness about working conditions and accident responses in the country.
Vistex, with its headquarters in Illinois, USA, and operations worldwide, now faces a period of uncertainty as it deals with the aftermath of this tragic accident. The company, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and Shah’s philanthropy, is mourning the loss of its visionary leader. Shah’s contributions to the tech industry and his charitable work in health and education have left a lasting legacy.
