Kochi university concert: Four dead, dozens injured in south India stampede

Mishap occurred when a sudden downpour prompted the crowd outside the auditorium to seek cover

Web Desk

November 26, 2023

After the stampede, people gather outside the venue of a music concert at the Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kochi, Kerala state, India. —AFP

A tragic incident unfolded at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in southwest Kerala, southern India, as at least four individuals lost their lives and dozens were left injured in a crowd crush during a planned concert at an outdoor auditorium.

The mishap occurred when a sudden downpour prompted the crowd outside the auditorium to seek cover, leading to a rush resulting in people slipping on stairs and trampling.

Expressing condolences, Kerala state governor Arif Mohammad Khan conveyed his deep shock over the demise of four students at CUSAT, offering heartfelt condolences to their families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

State health minister Veena George confirmed that four individuals were brought dead to Kalamassery Medical College hospital, with four more in critical condition and over 60 people injured.

This unfortunate incident is reminiscent of one of the deadliest crowd crushes in India a decade ago, where at least 115 people lost their lives during a religious festival in central Madhya Pradesh state.