Kerala: 4 Students Dead, Over 60 Injured In Stampede At Cochin University Event
Kochi CUSAT Stampede: Entry was restricted to those with passes, but the situation changed when it began to rain. People waiting outside rushed into the auditorium for safety, causing a stampede.
A stampede at a university in Kochi killed four students and injured at least 60 others. The incident occurred on Saturday at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), news agency PTI reported citing officials.
The campus was hosting a tech fest, and singer Nikhita Gandhi was performing in an open-air auditorium. According to reports, entry was restricted to those with passes, but the situation changed when it began to rain. People waiting outside rushed into the auditorium for safety, causing a stampede.
#WATCH | Kerala | Four students died and several were injured in a stampede at CUSAT University in Kochi. The accident took place during a music concert by Nikhita Gandhi that was held in the open-air auditorium on the campus. Arrangements have been made at the Kalamassery… pic.twitter.com/FNvHTtC8tX
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023
PHOTO | Cochin University incident: Two boys and two girls were brought dead upon arrival at Kalamassery Medical College, say Kerala officials. Over 60 injured in Kerala's Cochin University stampede incident. pic.twitter.com/qA9Q7F0ZcC
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 25, 2023
At least 60 students are being treated at various hospitals for injuries. In a Facebook post, State Minister Veena George stated that two boys and two girls were found dead at Kochi's Kalamassery Medical College.
According to PTI, ADGP M R Ajith Kumar stated that when there was a sudden downpour, the audience rushed to the auditorium via the stairs, resulting in a stampede and subsequent deaths.
"It was an annual festival, and we assumed from the brochure that it was held from November 24 to November 26. The musical event was held in an auditorium with seating for 1,000 to 1,500 people.
"It was only half full. However, when the rains came down suddenly, the students rushed down the stairs, resulting in the tragedy," Kumar told reporters.
Municipal Councilor Pramod told news agency ANI: "Exit and entrance through the same gate led to the stampede. Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell down first and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again and again."
Kochi, Kerala | Municipal Councilor Pramod says, "Exit and entrance through the same gate led to the stampede. Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell down first and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again… https://t.co/DhCgFbruGB pic.twitter.com/ZP6UJAhVgU
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023
#WATCH | Kochi, Kerala: Vice Chancellor, Dr Sankaran says, "...As part of tech fest, a musical program was also organised...Unfortunately, the crowd was huge and there was rain...The steps created some problems and some students fell down...The number of people injured I can only… https://t.co/AsaMrX5IvH pic.twitter.com/pUS9M3py7k
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the tragedy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened an emergency meeting at a government guest house in Kozhikode and condoled the deaths of the students.
Vijayan, who presided over the meeting, later announced that all cultural and art events associated with the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas programme in the northern district on Sunday had been cancelled.
He also dispatched ministers P Rajeev and R Bindhu to the Kalamassery campus to coordinate various measures.
In a statement, the CM also directed that all injured be treated and that George would coordinate steps in this regard.
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