4 students killed in stampede at university fest in Kochi

Over 2,000 people, students from various colleges as well as local residents, are estimated to have been present at the venue for the second day of the annual tech festival organised by the School of Engineering, CUSAT.

Citing accounts of eyewitnesses and police personnel present at the spot, ADGP (law and order) M R Ajith Kumar said the incident occurred at about 7 pm.

According to reports, playback singer Nikhita Gandhi was scheduled to perform at the university’s amphitheatre when it started raining. The amphitheatre is covered, providing shelter from the rain.

When it started raining, the crowd waiting outside the lone entry gate reportedly rushed inside the amphitheatre, causing those who were standing inside to fall down the steps, leading to the stampede.

ADGP Kumar said the amphitheatre, which can accommodate up to 1,500 people, was partially full at the time. While the programme was managed and controlled by the students themselves, six policemen were on duty at the university, he said.

CUSAT Vice-Chancellor Dr P G Sankaran said the annual programme was organised by students of the university’s School of Engineering. This was the first year it was being held after the pandemic.

The Kerala Cabinet, which is on a statewide tour, held an emergency meeting in Kozhikode to take stock of the situation. Higher Education Minister Dr R Bindu and Industries Minister P Rajeeve left for Kochi.

All hospitals in Kochi have been put on alert and doctors have been mobilised from the medical college hospital in Thrissur, said officials.