A joyous celebration turned tragic in Bengaluru when 11 people died and dozens were injured in a crush outside a cricket stadium during a victory parade for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their Indian Premier League triumph over Punjab Kings.

Thousands thronged the streets on Wednesday to honor RCB, but Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said authorities were unprepared for the massive turnout, estimated at over 200,000—double the expected number. 

A police official reported that the stampede occurred as fans pushed toward a narrow stadium gate that had not yet opened.

“A moment of joy has been overshadowed by sorrow,” Siddaramaiah said, expressing shock at the loss of lives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heartrending,” offering condolences to the bereaved families. 

The RCB team, greeted by state officials including Governor Thawarchand Gehlot upon arriving at HAL airport, was en route to the stadium for a reception when the tragedy struck. Cricket icon Virat Kohli later addressed a packed stadium crowd.

Fans in RCB jerseys flooded Bengaluru, overwhelming metro trains and clogging roads. Auto rickshaws and taxis refused fares near the stadium, forcing many to walk kilometers. As news of the deaths spread, crowds dispersed, and nearby metro stations were closed due to overcrowding.

The incident has cast a pall over RCB’s victory, with authorities now facing scrutiny over crowd management failures.

Source: BBC

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