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.
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."
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.