In a heartbreaking incident, a 21-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of California, Berkeley, was left paralyzed from the waist down after a fall from an external staircase at a fraternity house party. Bandna Bhatti, a senior data science major, was just three weeks away from graduating when the accident occurred on April 19, 2025, during UC Berkeley’s annual “Cal Day” celebration. The incident has sparked widespread concern, raising questions about safety at campus events and the response to emergencies at fraternity houses. A GoFundMe campaign for Bhatti’s medical expenses has already raised over $106,000, reflecting the community’s outpouring of support for the young woman and her family.

The Incident: A Devastating Fall

The tragedy unfolded at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house on Piedmont Avenue in Berkeley, California, during a lively Cal Day event. Cal Day is UC Berkeley’s open house, welcoming prospective students and their families to explore the campus. Many fraternities, including Phi Kappa Tau, host parties to mark the occasion, often attracting large crowds of students and visitors. According to reports, Bandna Bhatti fell at least 12 feet from an external metal staircase at the fraternity house around 1 p.m. She struck her head during the fall and landed in a narrow passageway beside the building.

The injuries Bhatti sustained were catastrophic. She suffered a spinal fracture, a torn dura with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma. These injuries have left her paralyzed from the waist down, drastically altering her life just weeks before she was set to graduate with a degree in data science. Her family has described the incident as a “tragic and devastating fall” that turned their world “upside down.” Bhatti’s mother, Sukh Bhatti, shared her anguish with local news outlet KTVU, saying, “She cannot walk. She cannot move her body. She’s paralyzed, asking me questions, ‘Can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?’”

Delayed Response Raises Concerns

One of the most troubling aspects of the incident was the delayed response to Bhatti’s injuries. According to multiple reports, Bhatti lay in the passageway for approximately 15 minutes before her friends found her. Instead of immediately calling 911, her friends took her inside the fraternity house. Fraternity members reportedly asked the group to leave the premises, and Bhatti was taken to her nearby apartment. Shockingly, it was not until seven hours later—around 8 p.m.—that emergency services were contacted. When paramedics arrived, Bhatti was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered the extent of her injuries.

The delay in seeking medical attention has raised serious questions about the handling of the situation. Bhatti’s sister, Sonya Bhatti, wrote on a GoFundMe page, “Our beloved sister, Bandna, only 21 years old, was just three weeks away from graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in Data Science—a milestone she had worked so hard for—when our world was turned upside down.” The family’s statement highlights the severity of Bhatti’s condition and the urgent need for ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized support.

Community and University Response

The incident has prompted an outpouring of support from the UC Berkeley community and beyond. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Bhatti’s family has raised over $106,000 to help cover her medical expenses and long-term care. The fundraiser underscores the significant financial burden the family now faces, as Bhatti’s injuries will require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. Donors have left messages of encouragement, expressing hope for her recovery and admiration for her resilience.

UC Berkeley issued a statement to PEOPLE, acknowledging the ongoing police investigation into the incident. “Our thoughts are with the student, their family, loved ones, and friends during this time,” the university said. UC Berkeley also expressed its readiness to provide support to Bhatti and her family, though specific details about the assistance offered were not disclosed. The university’s statement reflects its commitment to addressing the incident while respecting the family’s privacy during the investigation.

Matt Arnold, CEO of the national Phi Kappa Tau fraternity, also released a statement, expressing deep concern about the incident. “We are deeply concerned by recent reports of an incident involving a young student who was reportedly injured near the Phi Kappa Tau chapter house at the University of California, Berkeley,” Arnold told PEOPLE. He noted that the fraternity is cooperating with university officials and local authorities in the investigation. The Phi Kappa Tau chapter at UC Berkeley has not been publicly disciplined in connection with this incident, but the ongoing investigation may shed light on any contributing factors, such as safety protocols or the presence of alcohol at the event.

Broader Context: Safety at Fraternity Events

This incident has reignited discussions about safety at fraternity and sorority events, particularly during large campus celebrations like Cal Day. Fraternities are often central to social life at universities, hosting parties that attract hundreds of students. However, these events can sometimes involve excessive alcohol consumption and lax oversight, leading to accidents and injuries. In a similar incident reported by Berkeleyside, another UC Berkeley student, Jasmine Wang, was injured after falling from the rooftop of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house during a Cal Day party in 2023. Wang’s lawsuit against the fraternity alleges negligence, citing “copious amounts of alcohol” and encouragement to access the roof as contributing factors.

The Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, unlike Phi Kappa Tau, is not recognized by UC Berkeley due to a history of hazing, risk management violations, and safety concerns. While Phi Kappa Tau remains a recognized fraternity, the incident involving Bhatti has prompted calls for stricter oversight of Greek life events. Advocates for campus safety argue that universities and fraternities must implement clearer safety protocols, such as ensuring immediate access to medical assistance and limiting alcohol consumption at large gatherings.

A Community Rallies Around Bandna

Bandna Bhatti’s story has resonated deeply with the UC Berkeley community and beyond, particularly within the Indian-American diaspora. As a data science major, Bhatti was on the cusp of a promising career, having worked diligently to earn her degree. Her mother described her as a “happy, lovely, and strong lady,” reflecting the admiration and love her family and friends have for her. The GoFundMe campaign has become a rallying point for those who wish to support Bhatti’s recovery, with donations continuing to pour in from classmates, professors, and strangers moved by her story.

The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by students and families navigating life-altering injuries. Bhatti’s paralysis will require not only medical care but also emotional and psychological support as she adjusts to her new reality. Her family’s determination to stand by her side is evident in their public statements, with her mother expressing a heartfelt desire to see her daughter regain her strength and spirit.

Looking Ahead

As the investigation into the April 19 incident continues, authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding Bhatti’s fall. Questions remain about the safety measures in place at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house, the role of alcohol, and why it took so long for emergency services to be contacted. The findings of the investigation could lead to changes in how fraternities manage large events and ensure the safety of attendees.

For now, Bandna Bhatti and her family are focused on her recovery. The UC Berkeley community, along with supporters across the country, continues to rally around her, offering financial and emotional support. While the road ahead will be challenging, Bhatti’s resilience and the love of those around her provide hope for her future.

If you wish to contribute to Bandna Bhatti’s recovery, you can visit the family’s GoFundMe page GoFundMe or follow updates through UC Berkeley’s official communications UC Berkeley News. This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and swift action in emergencies, particularly at large campus events.

UC Berkeley Student Paralyzed After Tragic Fall at Fraternity House Party

Introduction

In a heartbreaking incident, a 21-year-old Indian-origin student at the University of California, Berkeley, was left paralyzed from the waist down after a fall from an external staircase at a fraternity house party. Bandna Bhatti, a senior data science major, was just three weeks away from graduating when the accident occurred on April 19, 2025, during UC Berkeley’s annual “Cal Day” celebration. This article explores the details of the incident, the community’s response, and the broader implications for safety at campus events.

The Incident

The tragedy took place at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house on Piedmont Avenue during a Cal Day party, a festive event welcoming prospective students. Bandna Bhatti fell approximately 12 feet from an external metal staircase, striking her head and landing in a narrow passageway. She sustained severe injuries, including a spinal fracture, a torn dura with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma, resulting in paralysis from the waist down.

Delayed Response

After the fall, Bhatti’s friends found her after about 15 minutes and took her inside the fraternity house. Reportedly, fraternity members asked the group to leave, and Bhatti was taken to her nearby apartment. Emergency services were not called until seven hours later, a delay that has raised significant concerns about the handling of the situation.

Community and University Support

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Bhatti’s family has raised over $106,000 to support her medical expenses and rehabilitation. UC Berkeley issued a statement acknowledging the ongoing police investigation and offering support to Bhatti and her family. The Phi Kappa Tau fraternity is cooperating with authorities, and its CEO, Matt Arnold, expressed concern for Bhatti’s well-being.

Safety at Fraternity Events

The incident has sparked discussions about safety at fraternity events, particularly during large campus celebrations. A similar incident in 2023 involving a fall at the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity house highlights ongoing concerns about alcohol consumption and oversight at Greek life events. Advocates are calling for stricter safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

Bandna Bhatti’s story has touched the UC Berkeley community and beyond, with widespread support for her recovery. As the investigation continues, this incident underscores the need for improved safety measures and swift emergency responses at campus events. The community remains hopeful for Bhatti’s recovery and committed to supporting her journey.

Sources: Berkeleyside, Times of India, KTVU

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