Four students killed in stampede at Cochin University of Science and Technology

Officials reported that two of the injured students are in critical condition.

The victims were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.

The concert, where playback singer Nikhita Gandhi was performing, had been organised at the university's open-air auditorium during a Tech Fest.

Speaking about the incident, Vice Chancellor, Dr Sankaran told news agency ANI, "As part of tech fest, a musical program was also organised. Unfortunately, the crowd was huge and there was rain. The steps created some problems and some students fell down. The number of people injured I can only tell tomorrow. More than 2,000 people attended, 2 students are critical."

Emergency services promptly responded and rushed the injured to Kalamassery Medical College and Kinder Hospital for medical treatment.

Kerala’s Health Minister has assured that all essential arrangements for the well-being of the victims have been put in place.

According to a municipal councilor, the stampede was caused due to the exit and entrance being through the same gate. "Students were trying to enter through the same gate. Students who were entering through the steep steps fell down first and the huge crowd at the gate stomped them again and again," the councillor told ANI.

Based on initial reports, it appears that students standing at the rear of the concert venue suddenly moved in haste towards the front of the stage when it started to rain.

As the back of the venue was not shaded, the students tried to move forward to escape the rain, causing a sudden surge in the crowd near the stage.

This is believed to have triggered the stampede-like situation and the death of four students.