“The entry to the programme was restricted to ticket holders. However, several local residents were also outside the auditorium during the musical show,” an eyewitness told the media.
When the sudden downpour began, the entire audience rushed towards the stage, where there was some roofed area, the eyewitness added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held an emergency meeting at a government guest house in Kozhikode in the wake of the tragedy and condoled the death of students.
Vijayan, who chaired the meeting, later announced as cancelled all cultural and art events planned in connection with the ongoing Nava Kerala Sadas programme in the northern district on Sunday.
He also deputed ministers P Rajeev and R Bindhu to rush to the campus in Kalamassery to coordinate various measures.
In a statement, the CM also directed to ensure treatment to all injured and said that George would coordinate steps in this regard.