Kochi: In a shocking incident, four people died in a stampede during a Tech Fest at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Saturday evening. 

As per the latest reports, at least 60 students suffered injuries. The injured are rushed to Medical College in Kalamassery and private hospitals here. Two students at the medical college are in critical condition. 

Health Minister Veena George said that around 18 people are admitted to a private hospital. The condition of one student remains critical, she added. 

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The incident happened while a music concert of Nikhita Gandhi was ongoing at the open-air auditorium here. The stampede reportedly occurred when students rushed inside the music hall following a sudden downpour. 

"The program was held in the open-air auditorium. As it rained, those standing outside rushed into the auditorium. As more people arrived, those on top of the stairs fell on top of those below,'' Dr PK Baby, Director of CUSAT Student Welfare, told Mathrubhumi.com.

"...As part of tech fest, a musical program was also organised...Unfortunately, the crowd was huge, and there was rain...The steps ( of the auditorium) created some problems, and some students fell down...2 students are critical...," said Dr. P. G. Sankaran, CUSAT Vice Chancellor.

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Furthermore, students from several colleges are said to have attended the event. The campus was hosting annual Tech Fest called 'Dhishna'.

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 as canceled all cultural and art events planned in connection with the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas programme 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