The four people who lost their lives in the stampede at the Cochin University of Science and Technology's (CUSAT) annual tech festival 'Dhishna’ on Saturday, November 25 have been identified. The incident occurred around 7 pm, just before the start of a concert featuring singer Nikhita Gandhi. The deceased are CUSAT students Athul Thampi from Koothattukulam, Ann Rifta from North Paravur, Sarah Thomas from Thamarassery, and Albin Joseph from Palakkad, who was attending the tech fest.
While initial reports stated that a sudden downpour caused students to rush into the amphitheatre to take shelter, it has now emerged that people rushing into the amphitheatre just before the event and overcrowding at the single entrance/exit gate could have led to the stampede. According to reports, the students who wished to attend the music concert had been given passes, but students without passes and many others tried to rush into the auditorium.
Health Minister Veena George said that 64 students sustained injuries and four students were in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit. “Of the 46 students brought to Kalamassery Medical College hospital, two girls and two boys were declared dead on arrival. Additionally, 18 students are receiving treatment in a private hospital,” the Minister said.
Expressing shock over the incident, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced measures to ensure proper treatment for the injured. Ministers P Rajeev and R Bindu were dispatched to coordinate efforts in Ernakulam. All celebrations and cultural events for Nava Kerala Sadas, the government's outreach programme, scheduled for Sunday have been cancelled.