Dozen 'Indian Idol' aspirants injured

Noida, March 9 : Over a dozen people were injured here Tuesday when thousands of boys and girls gathered for the audition of music reality show "Indian Idol" rushed into the venue causing a stampede, police said.

The incident occurred at Expo Mart in Sector 62 when the candidates who had been waiting outside poured into the venue when its gates were opened.

It led to chaos. Many fell over one another, a policeman said. In the process, a dozen people were injured, many suffering fractures in legs as well as head injuries.

Superintendent of Police A.K. Tripathi said: "The entry to the venue was opened initially for 100 candidates. But many more rushed in, resulting in a stampede."

The organisers had apparently expected a crowd of 2,000 but around 40,000 turned up.