India

Kerala Fest Tragedy: Police cite sudden rain as cause of fatal stampede

A tragic incident unfolded at a Kerala campus fest where a sudden downpour triggered a stampede, resulting in the death of four students and injuries to over 50 others. The stampede occurred before singer Nikhita Gandhi’s performance at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).

Reports indicate that a single gate was utilized for both entry and exit, with organizers allowing pass holders in batches. Despite the auditorium having a capacity of at least 1,000 and many vacant seats, a sudden rush ensued when rain began, leading to the tragic stampede.

Also Read: Punjab Takes Action: Seven policemen suspended over security breach during PM Modi’s visit

Eyewitnesses revealed that although entry was restricted to pass holders, a crowd of local residents had gathered outside. Moreover, organisers had announced that engineering students would enter first, causing restlessness among others who seized the opportunity to jump the queue when the rain started.

Senior police officer MR Ajith Kumar highlighted the auditorium’s sufficient capacity, emphasizing that the incident “should not have happened” and attributing it to the sudden rush during the rain. The steep steps near the auditorium may have contributed to students losing balance as they rushed.

Also Read: An official from Madhya Pradesh was crushed to death by an illegal mining tractor

Municipal Councillor Pramod pointed out the use of a single gate for entry and exit as a contributing factor. The tragic event led to the cancellation of events associated with the Nava Kerala Sadas outreach programme.

The deceased students, identified as Athul Thambi, Ann Ruftha, Sara Thomas, and Alwin Thaikattusherry, have left a somber impact on the community. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired an emergency meeting to coordinate necessary steps for the treatment of the injured.

Also Read: Can Never Forget…”: PM Modi pays tribute to victims of Mumbai Attacks

Singer Nikhita Gandhi expressed her condolences, acknowledging the profound grief and extending prayers to the affected families in a social media post. The community mourns the loss of young lives and grapples with the aftermath of this unforeseen tragedy.

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

SC Upholds Rajasthan’s Electricity Regulations; Dismissing Power Companies Plea

The Supreme Court has granted a major relief to the Rajasthan government by upholding the…

12 hours ago

SC Expresses Concern Over Rising Trend Of False Rape Cases On Marriage Promises

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the rising tendency to register rape cases based…

13 hours ago

Adani Ports Mundra Sets National Record With Historic 200 MMT Cargo Handling Milestone

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone set a national record by handling 450 MMT of…

13 hours ago

SC Seeks Response On Vikas Yadav’s Bail Plea In Nitish Katara Murder Case

SC issues notice to UP govt, Neelam Katara on Vikas Yadav’s interim bail plea in…

13 hours ago

SC Slams Telangana CM Over Remarks On BRS MLAs’ Disqualification Case

The SC expressed displeasure over Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s remarks regarding the disqualification…

13 hours ago

Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Opposes Waqf Bill; Calls It Legislative Discrimination

JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini condemns the Waqf Amendment Bill for singling out Muslims and…

14 hours ago