In a heartbreaking turn of events, a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru resulted in the deaths of at least ten people during a celebration for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thousands had gathered on Wednesday to welcome their home team after they secured the title against the Punjab Kings just a day earlier.
The incident unfolded when fans attempted to enter the stadium, where authorities reported that the gates had not yet been opened. "there were so many people trying to push through a small gate that the stampede took place," explained a senior police official to BBC Hindi. While the crowd was expected to be around 100,000, estimates suggested that over 200,000 supporters flooded the area.
The RCB team, arriving from a special flight at HAL airport, was supposed to participate in an elaborate reception by Karnataka officials, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, before a planned procession to the hotel. However, the anticipatory excitement spiraled into chaos as the team was poised to greet their fans at the stadium.
Eyewitnesses described the scene leading up to the tragedy: countless fans donned RCB jerseys and flocked to the venue through various means of transportation. The metro services proved so overcrowded that some passengers, including reporters, were unable to board. Auto rickshaws and taxis were likewise overwhelmed, leaving many to walk significant distances to get closer to the stadium.
Following the stampede and the tragic news of the fatalities, a wave of panic ensued, with crowds reportedly rushing toward metro stations, only to find authorities shutting down access due to the overwhelming number of people. The aftermath of the incident raises serious concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at large public events.
