Ernakulam: A tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) during a music concert by singer Nikita Gandhi, resulting in the loss of four students’ lives and injuries to 45 others in a stampede. The concert was part of the university’s annual tech-fest, which was attended by thousands of students from various colleges.
According to eyewitnesses, the stampede was triggered by a sudden downpour that caused panic among the audience, who were seated in an open-air auditorium. Many of them tried to rush towards the exit gates, pushing and shoving each other. Some of them also fell from the steps and got trampled by the crowd.
The police and the university authorities reached the spot and tried to control the situation. They also arranged for ambulances and medical assistance for the injured. The deceased were identified as Anjali, Akshay, Rahul, and Sreelakshmi, all students of CUSAT. The injured were taken to various hospitals in Kochi for treatment.
The university has expressed its deep condolences to the families of the victims and announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each. It has also suspended the tech-fest and declared a holiday for three days. The police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the matter.
The singer Nikita Gandhi, who was performing at the time of the incident, has also expressed her shock and grief over the tragedy. She said that she was unaware of the stampede until she finished her performance and saw the chaos outside. She said that she was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and security arrangements at the university and the lack of coordination among the organizers. Many students have also blamed the poor infrastructure and the overcrowding of the auditorium for the mishap. They have demanded a thorough probe and action against the responsible authorities.
