Stampede During Cricket Championship Celebration in India Claims at Least 11 Lives

BENGALURU, India – A tragic stampede occurred on Wednesday in Karnataka, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals and injuring over 30. The chaos broke out as tens of thousands of cricket fans attempted to enter the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to celebrate the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. Karnataka’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, stated that the crowd surged in an attempt to break through one of the stadium’s gates.

He expressed his sorrow over the incident, highlighting the unexpected large turnout for the celebration, which should have been a joyous occasion. Most of the injured are reported to be in stable condition and receiving hospital treatment. Fans had gathered to honor the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who claimed their first IPL title on Tuesday.

The team distributed free passes through its website and advised followers to adhere to guidelines established by local authorities. In light of the incident, the team expressed their deep anguish in a statement. Local news footage captured the chaotic scene, showing individuals on the ground as emergency personnel carried them to ambulances, while celebrations continued inside the stadium.

D.K. Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, noted that the crowd’s behavior was uncontrollable. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the incident, deeming it a negative aspect of cricket’s immense popularity.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia urged for better planning for such events. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “heartrending,” extending his thoughts to those who lost loved ones. Stampedes during large gatherings are not uncommon in India, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures at public events.