Over 60 people were injured and at least four students lost their lives in a stampede that occurred on Saturday during a performance 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 amphitheater during the annual tech fair when unexpected downpours drove the crowd to run for cover, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
Two boys and two girls were among the fatalities; they were taken 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 Health Minister Veena George informed reporters in Kozhikode, “State Industries Minister and local MLA P Rajeev and Higher Education Minister R Bindu have left for the spot.”
Kerala University Incident
While visiting the hospitals treating the injured, CUSAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. PG Sankaran stated: “As part of Tech Fest, a musical program was also organized.” 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 individuals showed up. Two pupils need to be considered carefully.
“The deceased were engineering department students.” We had disclosed the university course to the police. Our programs are typically attended by non-members as well. According to the first information I was given, people gathered outside on the stairs leading to the auditorium and attempted to enter, and as a result, people fell on top of one another on the steps,” he said.
More Details
Muhammad Salim TB, the university’s deputy registrar, laid the responsibility on a large number of outsiders as well. “Those who were outside the auditorium tried to enter it before the concert could begin.” At the time, it was also mildly raining. The theatre was already packed. As part of the stampede, the attendees fell on the steps going to the hall, he claimed.
He named the deceased Athul Thampi, Ann Rifta, Jithendra Damu, and Sara Thomas and said that a commission to look into the matter will be formed by the institution shortly.
Pinarayi Vijayan, the chief minister of Kerala, expressed condolences for the fatalities and added. “The tragedy at the CUSAT campus has shocked the state.” I share the sorrow of the families of the four youngsters who passed away. I have instructed that the injured receive the greatest medical treatment available. The situation will be thoroughly investigated. The Nava Kerala Sadas festivities and other events scheduled for this Sunday have been canceled.
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