Bengaluru: Jubilant celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory turned tragic on Wednesday when a stampede erupted outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, leaving 11 dead and 33 others injured.
According to initial reports, the chaos broke out as thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of the victorious RCB squad. The crowd surge, which began shortly after a child fainted in the heat, spiralled out of control despite police efforts to maintain order.
The incident occurred while the team was being felicitated at the state assembly, further inflaming tensions among the waiting fans outside. Police reportedly resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd, but the situation deteriorated rapidly.
According to eyewitnesses, the scene turned chaotic, with panic spreading as the crowd pressed towards the gates.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, saying the accident had overshadowed the joy of the team’s victory. “This tragedy has taken away the cheer of the win,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, visibly shaken, stated that the authorities were still verifying the exact number of casualties. “There were lakhs of fans,” he remarked, adding that efforts were ongoing to restore normalcy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences, expressing grief over the loss of lives. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
The incident has cast a shadow over RCB’s much-celebrated triumph, leaving fans and authorities alike grappling with questions about crowd management at major sporting events.
