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.

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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.

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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.

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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.