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Kerala: Health Minister Veena George informed Four students were killed and while several were injured in a stampede at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) during a music concert on Saturday evening. The accident took place during a music concert by Nikhita Gandhi that was held in the open-air auditorium on the campus.
The four students – two girls and two boys – were dead on arrival when brought to a hospital. According to the Health Minister, several students are undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College while information was received that some others are undergoing treatment at private hospitals. Three of the them were second-year engineering students identified as Athul Thampi and Sandra Thomas, Ann Rita.
The concert, which featured playback singer Nikhita Gandhi, was held at the university’s open-air auditorium during a Tech Fest. Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar confirmed the death of four students. He said, “It is suspected that there was a college arts function being held by the school of engineering. The invitees were asked to come in black t-shirts.”
He further said, “Due to sudden rain people who were at the sites tried to get inside. So suddenly people who were on the steps fell down & 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…”.Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences on the death of the four students at Kochi university and called for an emergency meeting with other ministers.
In a post on X, Pinarayi Vijayan said that the minister for industries and minister for higher education were on their way to the university to assess the situation. He worte on X,”The entire state is in shock over the tragedy 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, the Minister for Industries, and R. Bindu, the Minister of Higher Education, have departed for Ernakulam to assess the situation directly. A thorough investigation into the incident will commence without delay.”
Similarly, the Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan said that he was “deeply shocked and grieved to know about the sad demise of four students at a stampede at Cochin university”.
A senior police official said that, according to initial reports, due to sudden rain, people who were standing on the side rushed to an area to take shelter from the downpour. Due to this, the people standing on the steps fell down as people walked over them, the official added.
Speaking about the incident, Vice Chancellor, Dr Sankaran told media, “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 tell tomorrow. More than 2,000 people attended, 2 students are critical.”
Emergency services were quick to respond, and the injured were transported to Kalamassery Medical College and Kinder hospital for treatment. The Health Minister has assured that all necessary arrangements for the victims. According to a municipal councilor, the stampede was caused due to the exit and entrance being through the same gate.
Recalling the incident, an eyewitness Jalsan said, “This happened around 6:50 pm. When I arrived here three to four students were taken to hospital…It was drizzling. Students rushed in and due to steep steps and pushing this happened.” “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,” the councilor told media.
