In a shocking turn of events, a stampede during a music festival at the Cochin University of Science and Technology in Kerala on Saturday killed at least 4 students and injured 60 others. Playback singer Nikhita Gandhi, who was scheduled to perform at the event, has expressed her sorrow over the unfortunate incident and expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased.
"Heartbroken & devastated by what took place this evening in Kochi. Such an unfortunate incident took place before I could even leave for the venue for the performance. No words are possibly enough to express this profound grief. My prayers go out to the families of the students," read her note on Instagram. The singer recently lent her voice to Leke Prabhu Ka Naam song from Tiger 3, featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.
The disaster happened when students were enjoying the live musical event that was interrupted by rain, leading the audience to scamper for shelter that resulted in a stampede. The students rushed through the stairs, leading to the tragedy.
Officials said the stampede occurred before singer Nikhita Gandhi was to perform at a musical festival in the open-air auditorium of the university. "It was an annual festival, and from the brochure, we understood that it was held from November 24 to November 26. The musical event was organised at an auditorium with a capacity of 1,000 to 1,500 people," ADGP M R Ajith Kumar stated.
As per the reports, at least 4 students among the injured are in critical condition. The injured are undergoing treatment at Kalamassery Medical College Hospital and some other hospitals nearby, according to State Health Minister Veena George.