What was meant to be a day of celebration turned into one of mourning in Bengaluru, India, after a deadly crowd crush outside a cricket stadium claimed the lives of at least eleven people and left dozens more injured. The tragedy unfolded during a victory parade for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following their triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final.
Thousands of fans had gathered on Wednesday to welcome their home team, who had just secured a historic win over the Punjab Kings. The city was gripped with cricket fever, and streets were flooded with jubilant supporters clad in RCB jerseys, eager to catch a glimpse of their sporting heroes.
However, the celebration quickly descended into chaos. Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the fatalities, expressing deep sorrow and acknowledging that the authorities had severely underestimated the size of the crowd.
According to officials, over 200,000 people turned up for the parade—double the number anticipated. “We did not expect such a large turnout,” Siddaramaiah told reporters. “A moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow.”
One Indian police official explained that the tragedy occurred when large crowds attempted to force their way through a narrow gate leading into the stadium, even before the gates were officially opened. The overwhelming pressure of bodies surging forward created a crush that left many people trapped and struggling to breathe.
“The gate was still closed,” the officer said, “but people were pushing forward from all directions. It was impossible to control.”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing. “There was shouting, crying, and people falling all around me,” one bystander recounted. “It was so packed, you couldn’t move. It was terrifying.”
Eleven die in India crush as fans gather for IPL victory parade
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, calling the incident “heartrending.” He wrote, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.”
The RCB players, unaware at first of the tragedy unfolding outside, had arrived earlier in the day via a special flight at the old HAL airport. They were received by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and taken in a celebratory procession to a hotel in the city.
Later, they were escorted to the Vidhana Soudha—the seat of the Karnataka state legislature—where they were honored by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other dignitaries. Cricket icon Virat Kohli addressed a massive crowd inside the stadium, unaware of the tragic events happening just beyond the gates.
Before the incident in India, the excitement across the city had been palpable. Fans traveled from all corners of Bengaluru using every mode of transport available. Metro trains were packed beyond capacity, with thousands chanting the team’s name both inside and outside the compartments. Many were unable to board due to the overwhelming crowds.
Commuters reported that auto rickshaws and taxis refused to travel near the stadium area, citing road closures and security concerns. Those who managed to secure a ride were dropped off several kilometers from the venue, forced to make the rest of the journey on foot.
As word of the deadly crush spread, panic began to ripple through the crowd. Many fans abandoned the parade and made a frantic dash to the nearest metro stations. However, the stations near the stadium were soon shut down by authorities to manage the overflowing crowds on the platforms, leaving many stranded in confusion and fear.
Emergency services were delayed in reaching the scene due to the immense congestion. Ambulances and first responders struggled to get through the sea of people. Authorities later confirmed that dozens were hospitalized with injuries ranging from minor bruises to critical trauma.
In the aftermath, there has been mounting criticism over the lack of crowd control and preparation by city officials. Experts say the tragedy underscores a recurring problem with large-scale public events in India—insufficient planning, lack of coordination, and underestimation of public turnout.
Calls for accountability are growing, with citizens demanding answers and better safety measures for future events. “This should never have happened,” said one grieving relative. “We came to celebrate, not mourn.”
As investigations continue and the city mourns its loss, what should have been a historic day of celebration for Bengaluru will now be remembered for its tragic cost.India
