5 lakh footfall in New Year's Eve bash in Kochi, more than 200 sought medical assistance

Kochi: More than 200 people have reportedly sought medical help after attending the New Year's Eve celebrations in Kochi, due to the crowd rush and collision. Police personnel are also among those who suffered discomfort due to the rush.

Over five lakh people are estimated to have attended the bash in the state's financial capital. Lack of preparation and inability to control the crowd led to the situation. However, a huge mishap was narrowly avoided.

At Fort Kochi, a woman was taken to the hospital on the roof of an autorickshaw. The woman, who faced suffocation, was also given artificial ventilation on the roof top.

Only three ambulances and a doctor were available at the scene. At the Taluk hospital too, only one doctor was on duty. More than 200 people who visited the hospital had to go to other hospitals.

Ro-Ro services also saw a surge in demand.