A tragic incident happened in Kerala, four students and nearly 64 were injured in a stampede at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) during a music concert on Saturday evening. The injured were immediately rushed to the hospital, where, two of the injured are in critical condition, said the officials.4 killed in stampede at concert at Kochi universityAccording to the officials, the four students – two boys and two girls – were killed on arrival when brought to the hospital. Three of them were second-year engineering students identified as Athul Thampi, Ann Rufta and Sandra Thomas.#WATCH | Kerala | Four students died and several others were injured in a stampede at CUSAT University in Kochi. The accident took place during a music concert that was held in the open-air auditorium on the campus.(Source: Students at the venue) pic.twitter.com/r0SnUAezdU— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023This concert, which featured playback singer Nikhita Gandhi, was held at the varsitys open-air auditorium during a Tech fest.Kerala CM condolesTaking notes from the incident, 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.Taking it to 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.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, he tweeted.The entire state is in shock over the stampede 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,…— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) November 25, 2023Kerala 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.”Initial reports of the incidentCiting the initial reports, a senior official said that due to sudden rain, people standing on the side rushed to an area to take shelter from the downpour. Due to this, the people standing on the steps fell as people walked over them, the official added.#WATCH | Kerala | Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar says, 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...Due to sudden rain people who were at the… pic.twitter.com/9C2RLqCkP6— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023Speaking about the incident, Vice Chancellor, Dr Sankaran told news agency ANI, 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. The number of people injured I can only tell tomorrow. More than 2,000 people attended, and 2 students are critical.#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, 2023Emergency 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.How did this stampede happen According to a municipal councillor, the stampede was caused due to the exit and entrance being through the same gate. Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell first and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again and again, the councillor told ANI.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, 2023Singer Nikhita Gandhi mournsThe singer, Nikhita Gandhi, reacted to the incident in an Instagram post, saying she was heartbroken and devastated. View this post on Instagram A post shared by N I K H I T A (@nikhitagandhiofficial)She said: Heartbroken and devastated by what took place in Kochi this evening. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even reach 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.
