On June 4, 2025, a tragic stampede occurred outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory. The incident resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuries to over 50 others .
The stampede unfolded as tens of thousands of fans gathered to celebrate RCB’s victory. The team had distributed free passes and encouraged fans to follow official guidelines, but the crowd became uncontrollable when people tried to forcefully enter a stadium gate . Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes, with many collapsing in panic .
Victims and Injuries
The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, including a woman and a child. Over 50 others sustained injuries and were treated at local hospitals such as Vydehi Multispecialty Hospital and Bowring Hospital . Many of the injured were young students .
Causes and Contributing Factors
Several factors contributed to the disaster:
- Overcrowding: The stadium’s capacity is approximately 35,000, but over 2 lakh (200,000) people reportedly turned up for the celebration .
- Poor Planning: The event was organized on short notice, and authorities did not anticipate such a large turnout .
- Inadequate Crowd Control: Security measures were insufficient to manage the massive crowd, leading to chaos and the eventual stampede .
Reactions and Aftermath
- Government Response: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that the tragedy overshadowed the joy of RCB’s victory. He confirmed that the government would provide free treatment and transportation for the injured .
- Political Reactions: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy blamed Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for the mishandling of the event, sparking political controversy .
- Cricket Community: RCB’s Virat Kohli expressed being “absolutely gutted” over the tragedy. Other cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh, also conveyed their condolences .
This incident is part of a concerning pattern of stampedes in India. In the past year alone, over 180 people have died in similar tragedies across the country, highlighting the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols at large public gatherings .
For a detailed visual report on the incident, you can watch the following news coverage:
