KOCHI: The semi-circular auditorium slopes down from the road level. Iron fence all around. Earlier it was an open-air auditorium.

Three gates to go down. 11 cement steps going down from the middle entrance. Platforms are built after these steps so that the chairs can be placed in rows. The roof starts from there. Below that is the stage. It is about ten feet below the road level.

When the gate at the entrance was opened, people fell on the cement steps causing the accident. The steps are narrow. Slipping is more likely when climbing down. Even with a slight push from the top, those in front can't hold on anywhere. No handrails are set for grabs. Although there were three gates, only the middle one was open for entry and exit. The police and fire force is evaluating that this structural problem is what led to the accident.

The auditorium is on the side of the road from the CUSAT campus to the Thrikkakara pipeline.