1. Tragic stampede at CUSAT during a music concert claims four students’ lives.
2. More than 60 students were injured, with two in critical condition.
3. The incident took place during a Tech Fest event featuring playback singer Nikhita Gandhi.
Kochi, Nov 26: Four students lost their lives and more than 60 sustained injuries in a tragic stampede during a music concert at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT).
The victims, two boys and two girls were second-year engineering students. The incident occurred at the university’s open-air auditorium during a Tech Fest event featuring playback singer Nikhita Gandhi.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences and called for an emergency meeting with other ministers. He posted on X, stating that the entire state was in shock, and immediate treatment facilities were arranged for the injured. Ministers for industries and higher education were dispatched to assess the situation, and a thorough investigation into the incident would begin promptly.
The entire state is in shock over the stampede that unfolded at CUSAT University in Ernakulam. Heartfelt condolences go out to the family members of the four students who lost their lives. Immediate and enhanced treatment facilities have been arranged for the injured. P. Rajeev,…
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) November 25, 2023
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic stampede at Cochin University.
Also Read: Citizen Action Party Initiates Legal Action with FIR Against Sikkim CM and Former CM Regarding Glacial Lake Outburst Flood
The stampede reportedly occurred when sudden rain led people to seek shelter, causing overcrowding and chaos. People rushing to find shelter collided with those standing on the steps, leading to a tragic chain of events.
The Vice-Chancellor mentioned that the rain, combined with the large crowd, created difficulties on the steps, resulting in some students falling. Over 2,000 people attended the event, and two students were reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency services quickly responded, transporting the injured to Kalamassery Medical College and Kinder Hospital for treatment. The Health Minister assured that all necessary arrangements were made for the victims.
A municipal councilor explained that the stampede happened because the entrance and exit shared the same gate. Students trying to enter collided with those descending the steep steps, leading to a tragic sequence of events.
Playback singer Nikhita Gandhi expressed her heartbreak and devastation over the incident in an Instagram post, emphasizing the unfortunate incident occurred before she could reach the venue for the performance. She extended her prayers to the families of the students.
