Cochin University Stampede: In a tragic incident at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), a stampede during the university's anniversary celebrations resulted in the loss of four students' lives and left several others injured, as confirmed by Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he was deeply saddened by the incident and expressed condolences to the families of the students who lost their lives.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident CM Vijayan stated, "Deeply saddened by the stampede tragedy at CUSAT University in Ernakulam. Heartfelt condolences to the families of the students who lost their lives. Enhanced treatment for the injured has been ensured. Ministers are en route for an on-site assessment."
Other prominent political figures also expressed their condolences and shock at the unfortunate event. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor conveyed his grief, stating, "My shock, sorrow & profound condolences at the awful news of a stampede at a cultural festival at the Cochin University of Science&Technology (CUSAT), which has taken the lives of four students. They were just trying to escape from the rain!"
Rajya Sabha MP and Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal took to X and posted, "Deeply concerned about the reports of a stampede causing the loss of lives and injuries due to a stampede at the Cochin University CUSAT fest. My sincere condolences to the families of the students who succumbed to this stampede and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. All INC workers are instructed to assist the authorities in their relief efforts."
Cochin Stampede Updates: Kerala Police Calls It 'Freak Incident'
The stampede occurred during the university's anniversary celebrations, with four individuals brought dead to Kalamassery Medical College. Four students, including two boys and two girls, died while more than 60 others were admitted at Kalamassery Medical College Hospital and some other hospitals nearby for treatment, State Health Minister Veena George informed, as per news agency PTI.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar told news agency ANI that it appeared to be a "freak incident". "Due to sudden rain people who were at the sites tried to get inside. So suddenly people who were on the steps fell down and people walked over them... Four people were brought dead to the hospital, and another four were seriously injured... Other than that, around a total of 46 people have reported injuries in medical college," he told news agency ANI.
An eyewitness, Jalsan, shared an account of the incident, saying, "This happened around 6:50 pm. When I arrived here three to four students were taken to the hospital...It was drizzling. Students rushed in, and due to steep steps and pushing, this happened."
Mahila Congress district president Sarada informed that the queue was uncontrollable. "Due to rain, they rushed in. First, some fell down then others fell down on the top of them. By the time we reached here, students were taken to the hospital by ambulance," she told ANI.
Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan and Congress MP Hibi Eden are present at the Kalamassery Medical College, as per ANI.