Kasaragod: A 19-year-old who was hit by a train while returning from a music programme by rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali), which had been halted following a chaos at the Bekal Beach Fest. The deceased has been identified as Shivanandan of Poinachi. Another youth sustained serious injuries in the same incident.

The music programme by rapper Vedan held as part of the Bekal Beach Fest in Kasaragod was stopped after severe overcrowding led to a crush, leaving several people injured. Children were among those taken to hospital, though none are reported to be in a critical condition.

As the large crowd dispersed following the suspension of the programme, many people walked along the nearby railway track. It was during this time that two youths were struck by a train, resulting in one death.

According to reports, the situation spiralled out of control as an unexpectedly large crowd gathered for Vedan’s performance. With authorities unable to manage the crowd, people experienced breathing difficulties and some reportedly lost consciousness, prompting officials to order the programme to be halted.

A similar incident had occurred earlier in Kasaragod during a programme by singer Hanan Sha in November at an exhibition fair near the new bus stand, leaving around 20 people hospitalised.