Cochin University Stampede: In a heart-wrenching incident, a stampede during the annual festival of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Saturday night resulted in the loss of four lives and left over 60 students injured. The tragedy occurred just before singer Nikita Gandhi was scheduled to perform for the musical festival at the open-air auditorium.
Expressing her grief, Nikita Gandhi stated on Instagram, "Heartbroken & devastated by what took place this evening in Kochi. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even leave for the venue for the performance. No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students."
According to State Health Minister Veena George, four students, including two boys and two girls, lost their lives, and over 60 others are currently receiving treatment at Kalamassery Medical College Hospital and other nearby medical facilities, news agency PTI reported. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar explained that the stampede occurred as the audience rushed to the auditorium using stairs due to a sudden downpour.
"It was an annual festival, and from the brochure, we understood that it was held from November 24 to November 26. The musical event was organised at an auditorium with a capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 people. It was partially filled. But when the rains lashed suddenly, the students rushed through the stairs, leading to the tragedy," said Kumar, as quoted by PTI.
Contrary to initial reports suggesting the stampede happened during Nikita Gandhi's musical performance, officials clarified that the singer had not begun her show when the tragedy unfolded, PTI reported. Entry to the programme was restricted to ticket holders, but eyewitnesses mentioned that several local residents were present outside the auditorium during the musical event.
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