• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Bengaluru Stadium Stampede: Celebrations at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium turned tragic on Wednesday after a stampede broke out during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory event. Thousands had gathered to witness the team’s felicitation, but overcrowding led to panic and injuries. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah confirmed that, 11 people have died and 33 others were injured following the incident.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the media, stating that the government had not yet confirmed the number of casualties. “Can’t confirm anything,” he said when asked about the death toll.

ALSO READ: Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede: BCCI Officially Calls Out 'Mismanagement', Says 'RCB's IPL Winning Celebrations Should Have Been Planned Better

The stampede reportedly occurred when fans rushed to see the players up close during the ceremony. Footage from the venue showed injured individuals being carried away from the crowd. Shivakumar admitted that the event saw overcrowding and said authorities had deployed over 5,000 security personnel.

“This is a young and energetic crowd. We can’t use force like lathis,” the Deputy CM said, explaining the challenges faced by police in managing the crowd.

He also added, “I have spoken to the police commissioner. I will visit the hospital, but not immediately, as I do not want to disturb the doctors attending to the injured. We’ve also shortened the planned programmes and request the public to stay calm.”

Officials said fans had started arriving at the stadium from the previous night. Despite heavy deployment of police, the enthusiasm and volume of the crowd overwhelmed the arrangements.

ALSO READ: Bengaluru Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede: Seven Feared Dead As Chaos Erupts Amid RCB Victory Parade, DK Shivakumar Reacts | Video

Later in the day, he posted on X (formerly Twitter) after meeting the victims at Bowring Hospital. He wrote, "Visited Bowring Hospital to meet those injured and the bereaved in today’s unfortunate incident near Chinnaswamy Stadium. Saddened to witness their pain and speak to the victims during these difficult moments. I assured them of the best medical care and full support from the Government, and I wish them a speedy recovery. Let our pride and passion always bring joy, not risk. Life is above all. I urge everyone to stay safe and reach home safely."

The state government has assured that a detailed investigation will be carried out to understand the circumstances of the stampede and review crowd control measures for future events. A report is expected once the initial probe concludes.