A tragic crowd surge occurred in Bengaluru when thousands gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic win in the Indian Premier League, resulting in at least 10 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Deadly Crowd Surge During Indian Cricket Celebration Claims Lives
Deadly Crowd Surge During Indian Cricket Celebration Claims Lives
At least 10 dead and many injured as fans pushed to enter Bengaluru stadium for festivities following Royal Challengers' victory.
On Wednesday, a significant crowd gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for cramped festivities, following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinching their first title in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The event turned deadly, with reports confirming at least 10 people were killed and many others injured as fans pushed to enter the venue.
Just one day prior, the Bengaluru team celebrated its first-ever championship victory, decisively defeating the Punjab franchise in front of a packed stadium of over 90,000 in Ahmedabad. A planned victory parade was scrapped due to safety concerns. Nevertheless, fans flocked to the stadium too quickly, leading to chaos and injuries at the gates when the celebration continued inside.
According to Manoj Kumar, director of Bowring Hospital, six of the deceased were brought there alongside 19 others who sustained injuries. Vydehi Hospital also reported four fatalities and 12 individuals requiring treatment. The total number of casualties may increase, as officials continue to assess the situation.
Witness Siddharth H.N. highlighted the struggle of police and stadium staff in managing the surging crowd. The response to the tragedy has sparked backlash from opposition parties in Karnataka, raising concerns over inadequate planning and safety measures during the event.
B.Y. Vijayendra, the head of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka, criticized the governing Congress party for its lack of foresight and responsibility. In response, Siddaramaiah, Karnataka's Chief Minister, expressed sorrow over the event overshadowing the celebratory spirit. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar added that 5,000 police officers had been assigned to ensure security but struggled to manage the overwhelming crowd.
With the IPL recognized as one of the wealthiest sports leagues globally, the fervor for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is largely credited to the star player Virat Kohli, who has been iconic to the franchise since the league's inception, enhancing its loyal following. The aftermath of this tragic incident is likely to impact future crowd management protocols at large events in India.
