The celebratory atmosphere surrounding Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) historic victory in IPL 2025 turned to tragedy when a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the deaths of 10 fans and injuries to dozens more.
Sports News: A massive crowd gathered outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to welcome Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the champions of IPL 2025. As Gate Number 1 of the stadium opened, the crowd of fans surged uncontrollably, leading to a stampede. Reports indicate 10 people died in the incident, while many others sustained injuries.
The crowd outside the stadium was so large that people began scaling walls to gain entry. Several visuals showed fans climbing trees to try and access the stadium. Prior to this incident, the RCB team had visited the Vidhana Soudha (state assembly), where the Chief Minister honored the players. The team's bus then proceeded to the stadium.
Celebratory Crowd, Loss of Control
RCB's IPL 2025 trophy win sparked widespread jubilation and pride across Bengaluru. The administration organized a victory parade from the Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the win. However, the crowd size far exceeded organizers' and police administration's estimations, resulting in a loss of control.
Reports suggest the crowd outside the stadium was so dense that as Gate Number 1 opened, people surged forward uncontrollably. Pushing and shoving intensified, quickly escalating into a stampede.
Fans Climb Trees, Attempt to Scale Walls
According to eyewitnesses, several enthusiastic fans climbed trees to enter the stadium. Others attempted to scale walls. In the chaos, many people fell and were trampled. Police and emergency services arrived quickly, but by then, many were seriously injured. Ten people were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while over 30 others sustained injuries, some critical.
Players Honored at the Vidhana Soudha
The events began at the Vidhana Soudha, where the Chief Minister of Karnataka presented special honors to the RCB captain and players. The team then boarded their bus for the stadium. As the bus approached the stadium, the anticipation intensified, and the crowd surged uncontrollably to catch a glimpse of the players.
Bengaluru police had issued traffic advisories and implemented crowd control measures in anticipation of the parade. However, their effectiveness on the ground was questionable. There was insufficient security at the gates, and the number of medical personnel deployed was inadequate. Police sources indicate that while a security plan existed, the unexpectedly large crowd overwhelmed the arrangements. Several police officers were also injured in the stampede.
Chief Minister Expresses Grief, Orders Inquiry
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He announced a compensation of 10 lakh rupees to the families of each victim and ordered free medical treatment for the injured. He also directed the formation of a high-level inquiry committee to submit a report within seven days on the responsibility for the incident and whether it could have been prevented.
Following the incident, social media users criticized the event organization. Many questioned the administration's lack of a robust crowd management plan, given the pre-announced nature of the event.
