Bengaluru: The victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans turned tragic as 11 people died in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on July 4 afternoon. Forty-seven people are said to be injured, and there are fears that the toll could increase. The fans had thronged the stadium ahead of a victory parade for the RCB cricket team that won IPL 2025.
Three, who were shifted to Bowring Hospital, were declared dead on arrival, while four others died at Vydehi Multispecialty Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road. It is learnt that the stampede occurred when hundreds tried to enter the stadium through a gate near Cubbon Park. Following the tragedy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has rushed to Bowring Hospital.
The police also had to resort to a lathi charge when fans started swarming inside the stadium. Fans even tried to scale the stadium's compound wall. One man broke his leg after he fell down while attempting to climb the wall.
Addressing the media after the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the stampede occurred after a massive crowd broke through a small gate at the stadium.
"Over two to three lakh people gathered near Chinnaswamy Stadium—no one expected such a crowd," he said, adding that the stadium has a capacity of only 35,000. There is a small gate at the stadium, a large number of people gathered; they broke it, leading to a stampede".
'Absolutely heartrending': PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Taking to X, the PMO, quoting the Prime Minister, wrote: “The mishap in Bengaluru is 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.” |
