CUSAT Stampede: 4 Students Dead, Over 60 Injured

Four students were killed and over 60 others were injured in a stampede during the Cochin Universitys annual festival in Kerala, India. The state government has ordered an investigation into the incident.

The Kerala government on Saturday ordered an investigation into the stampede during the Cochin University's annual festival, which claimed the lives of four students and left over 60 injured. State Higher Education Minister R Bindhu directed a three-member team, comprising the principal secretary of higher education, and Cochin University's vice-chancellor and registrar, to inquire into the incident, an official release said. The minister instructed the officials to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report, the release added.

Stampede During Musical Festival

The stampede occurred before renowned singer Nikita Gandhi was to perform at a musical festival in the open-air auditorium of the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) near Kochi. Four students, including two boys and two girls, lost their lives, while over 60 others are undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College Hospital and some other hospitals nearby, according to State Health Minister Veena George. George mentioned that four more students were in critical condition.

Singer's Heartfelt Message

The singer later expressed her heartbreak and devastation in a Facebook post. She said that the incident took place before she could even leave for the venue for the performance. In a Facebook post, she wrote, "No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students."

Eyewitness Account

ADGP M R Ajith Kumar stated that the audience rushed to the auditorium using the stairs when there was a sudden downpour, leading to a stampede and subsequent deaths. While initial reports suggested that the stampede occurred during the Nikitha Gandhi musical performance, officials later said that the singer had not begun her performance when the tragedy struck. The entry to the program was restricted to ticket holders. However, several local residents were also outside the auditorium during the musical show, an eyewitness told the media.

Chief Minister's Response

Meanwhile, 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 the cancellation of all cultural and art events planned in connection with the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas program in the northern district on Sunday. He also deputed ministers P Rajeev and R Bindhu to rush to the campus in Kalamassery to coordinate various measures. In a statement, the CM also directed to ensure treatment to all injured and said that George would coordinate steps in this regard.

Rahul Gandhi's Condolences

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic stampede incident at the CUSAT university in Kochi that has claimed the lives of four students and left many injured,” Gandhi, an MP from Wayanad in Kerala, said in a Facebook post. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength in this difficult time. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured, and I urge the govt of Kerala to provide them the best medical care,” he said.

The stampede incident at the Cochin University's annual festival has cast a shadow of grief over the state. The investigation ordered by the government is expected to shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragedy and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The outpouring of support and condolences from various quarters reflects the collective sorrow and concern felt by the nation.