Kochi (Kerala) | A tragic incident unfolded during the tech fest at Cochin University of Science And Technology (CUSAT), claiming the lives of four students and leaving 64 others under medical treatment due to a stampede that ensued when students hurried for shelter during unexpected rain.

The casualties include two girl students and two boy students. Athul Thambi from Koothattukulam, Ann Rufta from North Paravur, and Sarah Thomas from Thamarassery are the ones whose bodies are identified. The other one who lost life is yet to be identified, and district collector NSK Umesh revealed that the fourth person might not be a student. Two girl students are in critical condition at a private hospital. Many injured were discharged after initial treatment, and 49 are still in various hospitals.

The stampede occurred on the concluding day of the Tech fest, while students were waiting for a music retreat to start, attended by over 2000 students, featuring performances by Bollywood's Nikhita Gandhi and other singers. Students themselves were controlling the crowd, and very few police personnel were present. The incident took place just before the program was to commence.

State Minister P Rajiv announced his and Higher Education Minister P Bindu's departure from the Nava Kerala Sadas to coordinate treatment and other necessary activities in Kochi, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the situation.

Although the event had regulated entry through passes, the unforeseen rain led to an abrupt rush for shelter, resulting in a gate collapse. This caused many students to fall and suffocate underneath one another in the chaotic scramble.

The CUSAT administration extends condolences to the families of the deceased and is actively working with medical teams to provide the best possible care for the injured. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, focusing on assessing safety measures during such events to prevent future tragedies.

The campus remains in mourning, with a heavy atmosphere weighing on students and faculty as they grapple with the loss of young lives and pray for the recovery of those injured. This devastating incident has sparked discussions on event safety protocols and the critical need for emergency preparedness during large gatherings.

PTI report adds...

State Health Minister Veena George said that the condition of four more students are critical.

"The entry to the programme was restricted to ticket holders. However, several local residents were also outside the auditorium during the musical show," an eyewitness told media.

When the sudden downpour began, the entire audience rushed towards the stage, where there was some roofed area, the eyewitness added.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an emergency meeting at a government guest house in Kozhikode in the wake of the tragedy and condoled the death of students.

Vijayan, who chaired the meeting, later announced as canceled all cultural and art events planned in connection with the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas programme in the northern district on Sunday.

In a statement, the CM also directed to ensure treatment to all injured and said that Veena George would coordinate steps in this regard.

ANI report adds...

Vice Chancellor of CUSAT, PG Sankaran, said, "As part of Tech Fest, a musical programme 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. Two students are critical."

Municipal Councillor Pramod also spoke to ANI about the stampede situation at the university and said that the same exit and entrance of the university gate led to the whole stampede situation.

"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 and again," Pramod said.

As per sources, immediate and enhanced treatment facilities have been arranged for the injured.

Police officials have arrived at CUSAT to assess the whole stampede situation.