A stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India has left 11 dead and dozens injured before planned celebrations following RCB’s IPL triumph
Eleven people have died with dozens more injured after a crush outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who just claimed the IPL title.
The stadium was hosting a victory parade to celebrate the team’s success. When the incident occurred the gates of the stadium “were not even opened, but there were so many people trying to push through a small gate that the stampede took place”, an official said.
Thousands of people had lined the streets on Wednesday and Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters that authorities had not expected so many to turn out. The stadium itself holds just over 32,000.
The BBC reports that more than 200,000 people came out for the victory parade – but they thought only half that amount would attend. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “mishap in Bengaluru is heartrending” and added that his “thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones”.
DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, told reporters that “the crowd was very uncontrollable”. The RCB team were scheduled to drive in a procession to the stadium before the crush occurred. The players reached the stadium for a brief reception where Indian icon Virat Kohli spoke after cutting a tearful figure as he claimed IPL glory.
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Prior to the incident a huge number of people from different parts of the city had moved towards the stadium, using several modes of transport wearing RCB jerseys. Metro trains were so packed that people were unable to board as passengers continued to chant the team’s name.
Auto rickshaws and taxis did not respond to requests from people who wanted to be dropped anywhere near the stadium. Those who got lifts had to agree to being dropped several kilometres away.
After reports of people losing their lives in the crush, people began rushing away to metro stations as authorities attempted to get control of the situation. They shut down the stations around the stadium as huge crowds had gathered on the platforms.
RCB said in a statement: “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”