A joyous celebration at Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kochi, Kerala, India was marred by tragedy on November 25, 2023, as a stampede at a campus music concert resulted in the death of four students and injuries to at least 64.
The calamity emerged during singer Nikhita Gandhi’s act in the university’s Tech Fest at an open space auditorium.
The incident, precipitated by sudden heavy rain, sparked panic and a rush that sent attendees scrambling, with some falling and being trampled on the steps, as described by a senior police officer.
Two men and two women students were pronounced dead at a hospital. Three of the students – Athul Thampi, Ann Rufta, and Sandra Thomas – were second-year engineering students at the university. Officials noted that four of the injured remain in critical condition.
In the aftermath, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offered his condolences and committed to a swift investigation and immediate medical care for the wounded.
The incident, which saw response measures from both university and municipal officials, is being thoroughly analyzed, with particular attention to the bottleneck caused by a singular exit.
Performer Nikhita Gandhi expressed her devastation over the event online. The calamity has highlighted an urgent call for improved safety measures at public events.