From cheers to tears: Stampede at RCB victory celebration kills 11

Royal Challengers Bangalore's IPL victory celebrations event on Wednesday turned into a tragedy with at least 11 people losing their lives and about 47 others suffering injuries in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered outside the stadium as well as near the Vidhana Soudha where Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah felicitated the RCB stars.

While the event on the steps of Vidhana Soudha, the legislature building, went off peacefully, police could not control the swelling crowds seeking an entry into the stadium, the venue for a public reception for the team organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.


Eyewitnesses said it was free for all as crowds surged in massive numbers on roads leading to the stadium gates, causing stampedes at several places.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the mishap in Bengaluru was "absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery", he wrote on X.

Probe ordered, ₹10 lakh for families of deceased
The chief minister announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the 11 people who lost their lives and free medical treatment for the injured. "A moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow," he said while condoling the death of people.

Most of the deceased are youth, he said at a media conference, while adding that around 200,000-300,000 people had gathered at the stadium and another 100,000 at Vidhana Soudha.

The CM also ordered a magisterial probe, the report of which would be available in two weeks, he said.

"Precautionary measures were taken by not allowing a victory parade, but the crowd surge near the stadium led to this tragedy," he said. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said they wrapped up the official reception event at Vidhana Soudha in 10 minutes to help crowds disperse faster and to prevent congestion.

The joy and loud cheers of ecstatic cricket fans that began Tuesday night after the team lifted the cup continued well into Wednesday and reached its peak soon after the RCB players landed in Bengaluru.