More than 35 students fell unconscious in M S University’s C C Mehta auditorium on Tuesday evening on the last day of the Sky 2009 festival possibly due to inadequate oxygen in the hall as a result of overcrowding.

Arts Faculty Dean Prof. Nitin Vyas, who was watching the students’ performance in the auditorium, also developed chest pain.

The affected were rushed to the SSG Hospital.

The incident took place around 5.30 pm when the prize distribution ceremony of the Arts Faculty festival was underway.

The university officials, who rushed to the place, said around 1,000 students were present in 600- capacity auditorium.

Vyas, who had complained of chest pain at that time, later said, inadequate oxygen could have aggravated the condition in the auditorium as diyas (lamps) were being lit at the overcrowded venue for the prize distribution ceremony.

Auditorium in-charge Harish Vyas said, “Overcrowding on the stage and the hall blocked the AC’s reverse duct.”

He added: “There was no passage for air to escape, which led to increased circulation of carbon dioxide, causing hypoxia among the students.”

He said Vam Services, the city-based company which was given the maintenance contract is examining the cause of the incident.

Prof Vyas said, “The students had sought prior permission for switching off the AC for half an hour when they were to perform with the lamps.”