Four people killed in stampede during tech fest at CUSAT; 72 people injured, four in critical condition

KOCHI: Four people, including three students, died in a stampede during the tech fest at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). 72 persons were injured. The condition of 10 persons is serious. Three of them are on ventilator support at Aster Medcity in Cheranalloor. The deceased are Athul Thambi (23), a second-year civil engineering student from Koothattukulam, Ann Rufta (20), a second-year student from North Paravur, Thamarassery native Sara Thomas and Palakkad Mundoor native Alvin Joseph. Alvin was not a student.

It is reported that the tragedy was caused by the students and outsiders who entered the open-air auditorium together before the start of a music concert at Dhishna, CUSAT's tech festival. The incident took place during a program organized by the mechanical department at CUSAT. Around 15 students fainted in the rush. The children entered the auditorium when it rained during the program. As the rain got stronger, the outsiders also ran into the auditorium and this resulted in the tragedy. The injured were admitted to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital and private hospitals.

Athul Thambi is a second-year Civil Engineering student. Ann Rufta is a second-year electrical engineering student. Sara Thomas is also a second-year student at Cusat. All four were dead by the time they reached the hospital. 48 people are undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College. The children are also being treated in other nearby hospitals. 15 people are undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Kinder Hospital.

The fest, which began on Friday under the leadership of the School of Engineering, was supposed to end today. Bollywood singer Nikita Gandhi was supposed to perform a music concert yesterday. Vice Chancellor Dr PG Shankaran told the media that there were more than 3,000 children inside the auditorium during the program.