A music concert at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi, Kerala, India turned catastrophic on Saturday, November 25, 2023, when a sudden stampede resulted in the deaths of four students and injuries to at least 64 others.
The incident occurred during a performance by playback singer Nikhita Gandhi as part of the university’s annual Tech Fest, held in an open-air auditorium.
The stampede reportedly began after an abrupt onset of heavy rain, causing panic among the students who were gathered to enjoy the concert. In the ensuing chaos, people who were standing on the sides rushed to seek shelter from the downpour. This sudden movement led to people on the steps falling, and in a distressing turn of events, they were walked over by others, according to a senior police official.
Two male and two female students were pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital. Three of the students – Athul Thampi, Ann Rufta, and Sandra Thomas – were second-year engineering students at the university. Among the injured, four students were reported to be seriously injured and in critical condition.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended condolences to the families who lost loved ones. He assured that immediate and enhanced medical facilities had been arranged for those injured. Additionally, the Minister for Industries and the Minister for Higher Education were directed to assess the situation at Ernakulam, where the university is located. Vijayan announced that a thorough investigation into the incident would commence without delay.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Sankaran of CUSAT said that the combination of a large crowd, heavy rain, and issues with the steps in the auditorium led to the tragic incident. He indicated that the actual number of injured would be confirmed later, noting that over 2,000 people attended the event. The Health Minister assured that all necessary arrangements had been made for the victims.
A municipal councilor pointed to a critical factor contributing to the stampede: the entrance and exit at the venue were through the same gate. This bottleneck, particularly on the steep steps, caused students to fall and be trampled repeatedly by the crowd. Emergency services were promptly deployed, with the injured transported to Kalamassery Medical College and Kinder Hospital for treatment.
Nikhita Gandhi, the singer scheduled to perform at the event, expressed her profound grief and devastation over the incident in an Instagram post. She conveyed her condolences to the families of the students, stating that the incident occurred before she could reach the venue.
This tragic event at CUSAT highlights the critical need for adequate safety measures and emergency preparedness at large public gatherings, especially in venues susceptible to sudden environmental changes.
