Over 60 people were injured and at least four students lost their lives in a stampede that occurred on Saturday during a concert at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala.
The event, which included playback singer Nikhita Gandhi, was taking place at the university’s outdoor amphitheatre during the annual tech fair when unexpected downpours drove the audience to run for cover, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
Two boys and two girls were among the fatalities; they were brought to the hospital lifeless. Following the event, at least 64 patients were taken to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital as well as a few other institutions. Among the injured, four pupils are in critical condition. State industries minister and local MLA P Rajeev and higher education minister R Bindu have left for the spot,” state health minister Veena George told reporters in Kozhikode.
Also read: 4 students dead in stampede at Cusat fest in Kerala, CM assures probe
While visiting the hospitals treating the injured, CUSAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. PG Sankaran stated: “As part of Tech Fest, a musical programme was also organised.” Regretfully, there was rain and a sizable audience. Some pupils fell and had issues with the steps. I won’t know the exact number of casualties until tomorrow. Over two thousand people showed up. Two pupils are very important.
“The deceased were engineering department students.” We had disclosed the university programme to the police. Our programmes are typically attended by non-members as well. According to what I was told at first, those who were waiting outside on the steps going up to the auditorium attempted to enter, and as a result, people fell on top of one other on the steps,” he added.
Muhammad Salim TB, the university’s deputy registrar, likewise placed the responsibility on the massive influx of outsiders. “Those outside the auditorium attempted to enter before the music started. At the time, it was also mildly raining. The theatre was already packed. As part of the stampede, the attendees fell on the steps leading to the hall, he claimed.
Also read: 4 students dead in stampede at Cusat fest in Kerala, CM assures probeHe named the deceased as Athul Thampi, Ann Rifta, Jithendra Damu, and Sara Thomas and announced that a commission to look into the matter would be formed by the institution shortly.
Condoling the deaths, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said: “The tragedy at the CUSAT campus has shocked the state. I join the families of the four students who died in their grief. I have directed that the best possible medical care be given to the injured. There will be a detailed examination of the incident. The celebrations and other programmes as part of the Nava Kerala Sadas on Sunday have been cancelled.”
