11 dead, 47 injured in stampede outside Bengaluru stadium during RCB event

BENGALURU, JUN 4 :” 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.

STORIES YOU MAY LIKE

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.

“I can’t confirm the numbers yet. I’m going to the stadium, now. Lot of emotional fans… we had deployed 5,000 personnel,” he told India Today TV, about the security arrangement.

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.

BJP BLAMES CONGRESS FOR ‘ADMINISTRATIVE FAILURE’

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.

“7 dead. Many are battling for life after a stampede due to the irresponsibility of Congress govt. No crowd control measures. No basic arrangements. Just chaos,” the post read.

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.

BJP’s Amit Malviya, too, criticised the state government. “Tragic stampede in Bengaluru. A celebration has turned into a nightmare,” Malviya wrote in a post on X.

The BJP said the tragedy was caused by poor planning and crowd mismanagement by the state government. He said the tragedy highlighted the administrative negligence and lack of proper crowd control measures, and called for accountability following the preventable loss of life.

“The state government in Karnataka has clearly failed in its responsibility. Celebrations is one thing, but the State government without proper planning, without taking emergency services into confidence, took this urgent and unfortunate decision,” wrote Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on X.

Heavy Industry Minister, HD Kumaraswamy, wrote on X, “The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures. The state government, led by @INCKarnataka, must take full responsibility for this disaster.”

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.

MEASURES COULDN’T CONTROL SURGING CROWD

Earlier in the day, Bengaluru Traffic Police had released an advisory to commuters to avoid the Central Business District area where both the Chinnaswamy Stadium and the Vidhana Soudha are located.

“Entry to the program is allowed only to those who have entry tickets and passes. Due to limited parking, the public are advised to use Metro and other public transport,” the advisory stated.

However, BJP leader and former top cop of Bengaluru city, Bhaskar Rao blamed the state government for the tragedy. “Unplanned, hurried disorganised celebrations lead to tragic stampede. Innocent Lives Lost. As former City Top Cop, I would have told CM to postpone Victory March and felicitations. Yesterday night’s crowd frenzy was enough warning to allow emotions to calm down,” Rao wrote in a post on X.

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.

Ahead of the public celebrations, police were also seen using mild force in an attempt to control the surging fans.

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.

-PTI