Bengaluru Stampede During RCB Celebration Claims Lives
Tragic Incident at RCB Victory Celebration
A celebration in Bengaluru turned into a tragedy on Wednesday when a stampede occurred outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the loss of ten lives and injuring over 20 individuals. What was meant to be a festive occasion marking the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first IPL title became a scene of chaos and sorrow.
Crowd Surge Overwhelms Security Measures
Numerous fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) gathered outside the stadium well in advance of the team's arrival, eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes with the IPL 2025 trophy. However, the overwhelming number of attendees caused significant congestion at various entry points, leading to the tragic stampede.
Police Struggle to Manage the Situation
Authorities faced challenges in controlling the crowd and attempted to restore order. Tragically, six individuals lost their lives at the scene, while others succumbed to their injuries later. More than 20 people were transported to Bowring Hospital for medical attention.
RCB Honored at Vidhana Soudha
Earlier that day, the Karnataka government held a ceremony to honor the RCB team, who celebrated their first IPL title after 18 years. The team, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, was recognized at the grand staircase of Vidhana Soudha, the state's legislative and administrative hub. Karnataka's Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar commended RCB for their historic victory.
Celebration Cut Short Due to Safety Concerns
Despite police assurances urging the crowd to remain calm and avoid forceful entry, tensions escalated among the attendees. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the celebration had to be halted just ten minutes after it began due to the growing crowd posing a serious safety risk.