Bengaluru, June 4: A stampede-like situation unfolded near Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, where thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first-ever IPL title win. Initial reports suggested that at least 11 people had died and several were injured, though officials have not confirmed any fatalities as of now.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the incident, stating, “There is no official information about any deaths during the RCB celebrations. We will update the public once we have verified details.” He urged people to remain calm and avoid panic.
The chaos erupted outside the stadium ahead of a felicitation event organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). Due to the overwhelming crowd, the program was cut short and concluded within 10 minutes. Shivakumar confirmed he had spoken with the Bengaluru Police Commissioner and other senior officials to ensure that the situation was under control. He also plans to visit the hospital where the injured are being treated.
Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede began when an unexpectedly large number of fans surged toward the stadium entrance, overwhelming security arrangements. Video footage showed police and bystanders carrying unconscious individuals into ambulances. Some injured people were seen receiving CPR on-site.
Managing the crowd proved difficult for law enforcement, with officers reportedly using mild force to control the situation. “It was a young, vibrant crowd. We couldn’t use lathis,” said Shivakumar, explaining the delicate nature of the situation.
Police have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the stampede. A traffic advisory issued earlier by Bengaluru Police had restricted stadium entry to those with valid tickets or passes. The advisory also urged attendees to use public transportation due to limited parking around the venue.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and monitor the condition of those injured.
