A celebratory event turned deadly in Bengaluru, India, when a crowd crush occurred near a stadium during festivities for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic Premier League victory.
**Tragic Stampede During Cricket Celebration Claims Lives in Bengaluru**
**Tragic Stampede During Cricket Celebration Claims Lives in Bengaluru**
At least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries reported as fans rush to celebrate a cricket championship.
A significant celebration turned into tragedy on Wednesday when a crowd crush outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru resulted in at least 10 deaths and many injuries. Fans were gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team's first ever win in the Indian Premier League, grabbing the title the previous day against Punjab.
The celebration, initially meant to feature a victory parade, had to be called off due to safety hazards after authorities recognized the risk of a stampede. However, a subsequent celebration inside the stadium continued, leading to chaos as fans attempted to push through the gates. Reports surfaced of push and shove as fans rushed to attend the event, resulting in several injuries.
According to Bowring Hospital's director, Manoj Kumar, six deceased individuals and 19 injured were treated there, while a further four bodies and 12 injured were admitted to Vydehi Hospital. Authorities warned that the casualty count could rise.
Witnesses described panic and disorder as the crowd surged forward. Siddharth H.N., a graduate student intending to join the celebration, stated that it was difficult for police and stadium staff to manage the intense crowd.
The incident has prompted criticism from opposition parties concerning the lack of safety arrangements. B.Y. Vijayendra, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, urged for accountability, emphasizing that the administration prioritized image over public safety. Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, lamented how the disaster diluted the joy intended for the team's triumph.
D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka's deputy chief minister, confirmed there were efforts made to control the crowd, mentioning that 5,000 police officers were deployed but stated that it was challenging to maintain order in the face of such an excited throng.
The Indian Premier League, a premier cricket tournament, has gained monumental fame and fanfare, particularly with stars like Virat Kohli dedicated to the Royal Challengers Bangalore since the league's inception. The team grabbed their first title in a hard-fought match before a crowd exceeding 90,000 in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, leaving a bittersweet memory following this morning's calamity.
