11 Dead, Many Injured In Stampede During RCB Victory Parade At Chinnaswamy Stadium
Bengaluru, Karnataka: At 11 people have been killed and many others injured due to a stampede during the IPL victory parade of Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Chinnaswamy Stadium today, June 4. The casualties reportedly included a child. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has said that the crowd was uncontrollable, and the authorities did not get time to “make arrangement.”
A special felicitation ceremony for all RCB players has been organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the fans have turned up in large numbers to catch a glimpse of their champion team, leading to uncontrollable crowd.
The incident occurred around 4.45 pm, as a stampede situation broke out outside some of the gates of Chinnaswamy stadium.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reacted to the mishap, calling it “absolutely heartrending.”
Siddaramaiah has visited Bowring and Vydehi Hospitals to enquire about the condition of the injured. In a social media post, the chief minister called the stampede a “great shock” adding that the pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory.
He pointed out that the team was not allowed to march in the victory parade, in anticipation of an unpleasant incident that could occur due to such a stampede and the crowd becoming uncontrollable.
“The accident occurred due to a stampede that occurred due to the crowd of people gathered near the stadium. I appeal to the public to understand that life is more important than love and affection, and to give safety first priority,” the chief minister wrote, offering condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased.
Karnataka Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar visited Bowring Hospital to meet the injured. In an X post, Shivakumar said he was saddened to witness their pain.
“I assured them of the best medical care and full support from the Government, and I wish them a speedy recovery. Let our pride and passion always bring joy, not risk. Life is above all. I urge everyone to stay safe and reach home safely,” the deputy chief minister wrote.
An RCB spokesperson has released a statement to PTI stating, “the fans have waited 18 years for this Cup. We need to empathise with them for their vulnerability.”
Reacting to the tragedy, Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia said he is not in a fault finding mission at this moment without knowing the complete fact.
“Whenever these kinds of events are being organised. That kind of planning takes time. It cannot be done in a hastily manner,” he said l, adding that some lapses definitely took place. “Definitely, nobody should be allowed to go scot-free for any lapses on their part,” he added.
“This is a negative side of popularity. People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish early recovery of the injured,” he stated.
The BCCI chief further advised that proper precautions, safety and security measures need to be taken when one organises a victory celebration of this magnitude.
As per the latest update, chief minister Siddaramaiah has announced Rs 10 lakh aid for victims’ families, and ordered magisterial inquiry into the incident. In a press conference, the chief minister explained that there were around 2-3 lakh people and one lakh had gathered near Vidhana Soudha, acknowledging that no one had anticipated such huge footfall.
“We or KSCA did not expect such a huge crowd, and the stadium capacity is around 35,000. We anticipated that there would be a footfall of 35,000 and a few more,” The Indian Express quoted the chief minister.
(Updates Are Awaited)
