Tragic Stampede at Indian Festival Results in Four Student Deaths

In an unfortunate incident at a music festival in Southern India, four students lost their lives in a stampede.

The tragic event unfolded at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kerala, during the Tech Fest gathering that occurred on a fateful Saturday, November 25. Crowds had amassed to enjoy performances, including one by Bollywood singer Nikhitha Gandhi, but disaster struck when unexpected rain led to a chaotic rush for shelter.

Kerala's State Health Minister, Veena George, confirmed the deaths of two boys and two girls through social media posts. In addition to the deaths, the stampede resulted in injuries to 64 other individuals. A total of 56 persons required hospital care, and 17 children have been discharged. However, five girls are still reported to be in critical condition, fighting for their lives in intensive care units.

The severity of the situation prompted an emergency response, with over 100 ambulances dispatched to the scene to attend to the wounded. Initial reports suggest the stampede began when attendees outside the event venue hurried inside to escape the downpour, leading to chaos as many did not have the necessary passes to enter.

According to university faculty and local police, the disarray was exacerbated when people slipped and fell on the stairs, causing others to be trampled in the rush. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with the Kerala state governor expressing deep sorrow for the lives lost and extending condolences to the bereaved families.

Singer Nikhitha Gandhi expressed her grief on social media, stating that she was devastated by the events that transpired before her scheduled performance. She offered her heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the families of the students whose lives were taken too soon.

This disaster adds to the list of crowd crushes in India, reviving painful memories of past incidents, including one a decade prior in Madhya Pradesh state, which claimed the lives of 115 people during a religious festival.

tragedy, festival, stampede