- By Aashish Vashistha
- Sun, 26 Nov 2023 07:07 AM (IST)
- Source:PTI
At least four students were killed while several others sustained injuries after a stampede-like situation erupted during the music concert held at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala’s Kochi. State Health Minister Veena George said that arrangements have been made at Kalamassery Medical College, as reported by news agency ANI.
#WATCH | Kerala | Four students died and several were injured in a stampede at CUSAT University in Kochi. The accident took place during a music concert by Nikhita Gandhi that was held in the open-air auditorium on the campus. Arrangements have been made at the Kalamassery… pic.twitter.com/FNvHTtC8tX
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023
Following the unfortunate incident, Vice Chancellor Dr Sankaran said that a musical program was organised as part of the tech fest. “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,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
#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, 2023
The stampede reportedly occurred after hundreds of people from the audience rushed to the auditorium seeking cover from the rain. The victims involved in the incident were two boys and two girls. Following the incident, police officials also rushed to the site to take stock of the situation.
#WATCH | Kerala | Police officials arrive at CUSAT University in Kochi where four students died and several were injured in a stampede. The accident took place during a music concert that was held in the open-air auditorium on the campus, as per Health Minister Veena George pic.twitter.com/HVcwE9Mg8I
— ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the incident and assured investigation into the incident without any delay. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he wrote, “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, 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 further wrote.
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, 2023
Meanwhile, Municipal Councilor Pramod said that the stampede took place due to both entry and exit through the same gate. “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,” he said.
(With Agency Inputs)
