Stampede at CUSAT campus caused by sudden influx of people into auditorium: Report

Kalamassery: As per the initial reports, a sudden rush of people into the open-air auditorium following a downpour led to a stampede during a tech-fest at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Saturday evening. 

Witnesses stated that the accident was exacerbated by the presence of a single gate for entering and exiting the auditorium.

"It is suspected that there was a college arts function being held by the school of engineering. The invitees were asked to come in black t-shirts...Due to sudden rain people who were at the sites tried to get inside. So suddenly people who were on the steps fell down & people walked over them...Four people were brought dead to the hospital, and another four were seriously injured... Other than that, around a total of 46 people have reported injuries in medical college...," said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M R Ajith Kumar.

"The entry to the programme was restricted to ticket holders. However, several local residents were also outside the auditorium during the musical show," an eyewitness told media.

When the sudden downpour began, the entire audience rushed towards the stage, where there was some roofed area, the eyewitness added.

"Exit and entrance through the same gate led to the stampede. Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell down first, and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again and again," said Municipal Councilor Pramod. 

The rescue operation was initiated by the locals and fellow students. Additionally, there are claims that the accident occurred due to the organizers' negligence in setting up safety measures.

 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.