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Bengaluru: At least 11 people died, and nearly 50 were injured in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, during an event to felicitate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team after their maiden IPL title win.The event, organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, drew an overwhelming crowd. Even though it was for people with valid tickets and passes, fans thronged the premises to catch a glimpse of their team’s cricketing heroes.
According to preliminary information provided to the government, a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium premises collapsed under the weight of people standing on it, said sources. The sudden collapse caused panic and a stampede ensued, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.Chief Minister Siddarmaiah, in a press conference, confirmed that 11 people died in the stampede, and confirmed that a Deputy Commissioner-level enquiry was ordered into the incident. He also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives. He also assured free treatment for the injured. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the deaths, but did not divulge any further information.Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “We finished the event in 10-15 mins because of the stampede and death.” The deceased include young men and women from 13 to 35 years old. At Bowring Hospital, six people were confirmed dead, including three women, and three men. Vydehi Hospital reported four deaths and Manipal Hospital confirmed one death.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar visited the hospital and met with those injured. Visuals from the scene showed the injured being rushed for medical support. Ambulances were seen making their way through the heavy crowd, moving the injured to the hospital.Following the news of the stampede and deaths, BJP Karnataka demanded the resignation of Siddarmaiah and DK Shivakumar, blaming the Congress-led state government for not putting in proper crowd control measures.
The state BJP’s X handle also accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of “busy shooting reels” and “hogging limelight with cricketers.” “This is criminal negligence. Blood is on the hands of Congress govt. (sic),” the post read. Karnataka BJP Chief, BY Vijayendra, questioned the government’s preparedness, asking, “Did Siddaramaiah review the crowd safety plan? Did DK Shivakumar ensure medical and police arrangements?”Citing Mumbai’s smooth World Cup parade, he said, “Why did Bengaluru fail?” and alleged that “Congress cares more about publicity than public safety.” Vijayendra demanded a judicial inquiry and accountability for the tragedy. A delegation of BJP leaders, including BY Vijayendra, R Ashoka, and Chaluvadi Narayanaswamy visited the hospital to meet those injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too expressed his condolences over the tragedy. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and shared his thoughts with the families of the deceased. “The loss of lives in the tragic happening at a stadium in Bengaluru is shocking and heartbreaking. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured,” President Droupadi Murmu wrote on X.
Reacting to the tragedy, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla said, “There was a huge crowd. We are checking what happened and what was the cause of the stampede. There is no need to give a political colour to this incident. In view of the crowds, Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) suspended services at Cubbon Park and Dr BR Ambedkar Vidhana Soudha metro stations from 4:30 pm onwards until further notice.
As per reports, shortly after the RCB team left Vidhana Soudha, stones were reportedly pelted near the premises, with some stones even hitting the building. Several regional press members covering the event were injured in the chaos that followed.
