Four students have died in a stampede during a Tech Fest at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Saturday. The condition of two persons is critical while at least 49 others are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the city.
The accident occurred in an open-air auditorium during a music concert led by Nikhita Gandhi that was held as part of 'Dhishna', the Tech Fest. Today was the second day of the three-day Fest.
Three deceased persons identified
Three of the deceased have been identified, they are Athul Thampi, a native of Koothattukulam, Ann Ruftha, a native of North Paravur and Sara Thomas of Thamarassery. All three were second-year students of the institution. The fourth person, who died in the stampede, has been identified as Alwin Joseph of Palakkad, who was not a student of CUSAT.
It is understood, two of them were brought dead at the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital.
"Two persons, who are critical, are undergoing treatment at the Aster Hospital. There are 34 persons admitted to the Medical College Hospital (at Kalamassery), including two in the ICU. There are 15 admitted to Kinder hospital,”said Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh.
Entry was restricted
According to reports, entry to the concert was restricted with gate passes. However, the situation went out of control after it rained and those who were waiting outside rushed into the auditorium to take shelter and caused the stampede.
