At least eleven people died and several others were injured in a stampede-like situation at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Indian Premier League victory celebration Wednesday evening.
The stampede broke out around 4 pm when more than 15 people, including a woman, fell on the ground in the rush of the crowd outside Gate 3 of the stadium. Though officials are yet to confirm the death toll, hospital sources said that at least six people are feared dead. Some others were rushed to hospitals with severe injuries, such as broken legs.
RCBwhich won the IPL final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, was scheduled to celebrate their victory in Bengaluru Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, the team arrived at HAL Airport on a special flight. As planned, a felicitation programme took place at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in attendance. Later, the team was set to participate in a victory parade on an open bus. Thousands of fans gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha as well as outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The stampede broke out around 4 pm when more than 15 people, including a woman, fell on the ground in the rush of the crowd outside Gate 3 of the stadium. (Credit: Jithendra M)
There was confusion before the celebrations near the stadium, as the victory parade was not confirmed until the last minute. Additionally, passes were made mandatory to enter the Chinnaswamy Stadium to watch the celebrations.
Inayath, a resident of Lingarajapuram and an eyewitness, said there were many people who did not have passes eagerly waiting to get in. “It was near Gate 3, which was partially opened and everyone started rushing into the stadium. Some of them who did not have the passes also tried to enter, and in the chaos, people fell to the ground. There was nobody to control the crowd or even to help,” he added.
The injured were rushed to Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Vydehi Hospital.
One of the deceased at Bowring Hospital was identified as Devyamshi, 14, a resident of Kanur. She had come near the stadium with her mother, younger sister, and other family members to see the RCB victory celebration.
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“Nothing happened to the others, but I lost my granddaughter,” the girl’s grandmother said at Bowring Hospital, where the bodies of five victims have been kept in a mortuary.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar visited the injured at hospitals. BJP leaders R Ashok, B Y Vijayendra, and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy also visited the hospitals and called for a judicial probe into the matter.
Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy said on X: “The tragic incident of a stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during the RCB victory celebrations, resulting in the unfortunate death of people, has left me deeply shocked. It is extremely painful to see innocent lives lost even before the celebrations could begin. The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures.”
“The state government, led by @INCKarnataka, must take full responsibility for this disaster. Along with ensuring the injured receive the best possible treatment, the government must immediately reach out to support the families of the deceased. It is my heartfelt concern that the cricket fans who had gathered near the stadium and Vidhana Soudha to witness the celebrations should return home safely without panic or distress. The police must take emergency measures in this regard and assist the public.”
