A festive atmosphere turned into tragedy at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala, as a stampede-like situation during a musical performance led to the loss of four young lives and left over 60 others injured. The incident occurred amidst a concert featuring singer Nikhita Gandhi at an open-air auditorium, when sudden rainfall sparked a rush among the audience.
The performance, part of the university’s ongoing fest, drew a sizable crowd including students from neighboring colleges. As the rain began, the situation quickly escalated, and chaos ensued. The Vice Chancellor of CUSAT, expressing remorse, highlighted that the fest had commenced the previous day with a series of programs, culminating in the musical event on this fateful day. The sheer volume of over 2,000 attendees resulted in a surge, leading to an overwhelming rush at the stairs.
According to municipal councillor Pramod, the tragic turn of events was exacerbated by the layout of the auditorium, where the same entry and exit points compounded the stampede. “Students who were entering the auditorium fell down at the stairs and the crowd trampled them,” he stated, shedding light on the harrowing moments that unfolded.
Upon the incident, immediate medical assistance was mobilized, with the injured swiftly transported to Kalamassery Medical College. Regrettably, despite efforts, two boys and two girls succumbed to their injuries upon arrival at the medical facility.
Reacting to the calamity, Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressed profound shock and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Assuring swift action, Vijayan confirmed the initiation of a comprehensive investigation into the incident. “A thorough investigation into the incident will commence without delay,” he stated in a social media post, emphasizing the urgency to understand and address the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life.
The gravity of the situation prompted immediate action from Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George, who ensured enhanced treatment facilities for the injured and dispatched officials to assess the situation firsthand. Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan also conveyed his condolences, expressing deep sorrow over the unfortunate demise of the students and extending prayers for the swift recovery of those injured.
The incident at CUSAT stands as a sobering reminder of the need for stringent safety measures during large-scale events. As the investigation unfolds, authorities aim to ascertain the sequence of events and implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. Meanwhile, the university community and the state of Kerala mourn the loss of promising young lives in this distressing episode.
Sources By Agencies
