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

‘In Kabul, A Cat Has More Freedom Than A Woman’: Revisiting Women’s Struggles Under The Taliban

The Taliban’s regime has since imposed over 100 laws restricting women's rights, stripping them of…

3 hours ago

PM Modi’s Gifts: A Glimpse Of India’s Cultural Heritage In Global Diplomacy

These gifts to world leaders reflect the diverse traditions, arts, and crafts of India, emphasizing…

6 hours ago

Dr Rajeshwar Singh Calls For Bold Goals To Make India A Global Power By 2047

Dr Singh stressed the importance of reaching a GDP of $15 trillion by 2047 to…

7 hours ago

Gautam Adani Faces Indictment In US: Legal Expert Vijay Aggarwal Dismisses Immediate Repercussions

Criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal weighed in on the charges against Adani. He believes the indictment…

7 hours ago

Adani Group Stocks Recover As Sensex nd Nifty Post Gains

After a major sell-off earlier in the week, Adani Group stocks, led by Ambuja Cements…

8 hours ago

Sensex Soars 1,961 Points, Nifty Gains 557 In Broad-Based Market Rally

A sharp rally in financial stocks and encouraging US labor market data fueled the uptrend.…

8 hours ago