Bengaluru: Eleven people died and 33 others were injured after a stampede broke out near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed.
More than 2 lakh fans converged at the stadium since late afternoon to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL victory. However, the joyous occasion turned chaotic following a stampede-like situation at Gate No. 3. The victorious team was on its way to the stadium after a stopver at Vidhana Soudha.
The injured persons have been taken to Bowring Hospital and Vydehi Superspeciality Hospital on Vittal Mallya Road. Reports, quoting hospital sources, said that the toll may rise as some individuals are in critical condition.
Acknowledging the deaths, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar told India Today: “I can’t confirm the numbers yet. I’m going to the stadium now. Lot of emotional fans .. .. we had deployed 5,000 personnel.”
Fans were asked to return home and maintain peace.
RCB and their talisman Virat Kohli, who ended their 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night and arrived in Bengaluru to a massive welcome on Wednesday afternoon. Several political leaders, including Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, marked their presence at the victory parade.
Notably, the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium was initially cancelled over security reasons, but the Bengaluru Traffic Police later stated that it has made “preparations in case it happens”.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had organised the special felicitation ceremony inside the stadium for the squad.