Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first-ever IPL victory celebration turned to chaos and injuries for several fans on Wednesday. A stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where fans had gathered for the team’s victory celebration, has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals and left around 33 injured.

The incident unfolded as thousands of fervent fans, eager to join the festivities, surged towards the stadium from various gates. The immense pressure led to a deadly crush, with scores of people caught in the ensuing pandemonium.

ALSO READ FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Prize money revealed

RCB issues a statement

Royal Challengers Bengaluru release a statement over the stampede, “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe”.

Netizen’s react

Social media platforms were ablaze with furious posts from users questioning why the celebrations inside the stadium continued uninterrupted even as reports of deaths and injuries emerged.

“Unbelievable! Victory celebration broadcast of RCB parade continues. No mention of stampede. NOT DONE,” a user on X (formerly Twitter) expressed in disbelief. Another user, equally outraged, posted, “1 parade, 0 brains, & now 7 funerals. What kind of idiots plans a mass celebration without barricades, without strategy? This isn’t a celebration gone wrong, this is an administration that went brain-dead.”

The public outcry intensified with calls for accountability. “The most gut-wrenching aspect of the #ChinnaswamyStadium stampede is the shocking apathy shown—celebrations continued as bodies lay lifeless. Where is our humanity? These young Kannadigas died for nothing, without even respect in death. It’s disgraceful, inhuman, and unforgivable. Those responsible must be named, shamed, and held criminally accountable,” another user passionately wrote on X.

Rescue and relief work

Authorities have confirmed the grim toll, stating that the bodies of two victims are at Bowring Hospital, with four others at Vaidehi Hospital. Additionally, six individuals are currently receiving critical care in the ICU of Vaidehi Hospital, and three more are admitted to the ICU at another facility. Sources have further corroborated the deaths of two other persons.

Police personnel at the scene worked frantically to transport the injured to ambulances, rushing them to the nearby Bowring Hospital. However, their efforts were severely hampered by the overwhelming crowds on the roads, which significantly impeded the movement of emergency vehicles.

ALSO READ RCB victory parade: Bengaluru police issue traffic advisory on affected routes

Ironically, the Karnataka government had previously cancelled the planned victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing security concerns. This pre-emptive measure, however, failed to prevent the devastating events that unfolded during the subsequent celebration event at the stadium’s vicinity.

Packed crowds celebrating the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title triumph ended in a deadly stampede on Wednesday with 11 mainly young fans crushed to death.

Joyous cricket fans had come out to celebrate and welcome home their heroes after they beat the Punjab Kings in a roller-coaster IPL final on Tuesday night.

But the euphoria of the vast crowds in the southern tech city of Bengaluru ended in disaster, with Prime Minister Narendra calling it “absolutely heartrending”.

Karnataka state chief minister Siddaramaiah said most of the deceased are young, with 11 dead and 47 injured in the crush.

In one Bengaluru hospital, a stream of injured came for treatment.

“I was standing near the entrance, there was a huge crowd and they stamped on me”, one lady told AFP, being taken in a wheelchair, who did not give her name. “I was not able to breathe. I fell unconscious.”

Siddaramaiah told reporters said that “no one expected such a huge crowd.” But he added that the entire police force of the city had been deployed.

“The stadium has a capacity of only 35,000 people, but 200,000 to 300,000 people came,” the minister said.

He said a victory street parade by the winning team was called off as authorities had anticipated an uncontrollable crowd.

“The pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory,” said Siddaramaiah, who has ordered an inquiry in the deaths.

“I don’t want to defend the incident, the tragedy … our government is not going to play politics on this,” he added. “This tragedy should not have happened. We are with the victims.”

The IPL winning team said it was “deeply anguished” by the incident.

“The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us,” RCB said late on Wednesday.

Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said hundreds of thousands of people had flocked onto the streets and that police had been “finding it very difficult.”

An AFP photographer saw vast crowds as a sea of people crammed the streets and police waved sticks.

Broadcasters showed police rushing away from crowds carrying young children in their arms, who had seemingly fainted.

One unattended young man was sitting in an ambulance struggling to breathe.

India cricket great Sachin Tendulkar called the deaths “beyond tragic”, in a post on social media.

“My heart goes out to every affected family,” he said. “Wishing peace and strength to all.”

Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the final with his wife on Tuesday, expressed sorrow over the stampede.

“We celebrated with you yesterday and we mourn with you today,” he said in a post on X.

Where the crush took place, abandoned shoes lay scattered around.

Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Congress party leader, said the deaths were “profoundly distressing”, adding that “the joy of victory should never come at the cost of lives”.

Organisers pressed ahead with the ceremony, with the team’s social media account posting a video of cheering crowds as the bus full of the players – including batting legend Virat Kohli – waved back.

“This welcome is what pure love looks like,” the club said in a post on X, which it later deleted.

But IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, speaking to NDTV, said organisers in the stadium had not been told about the stampede until later.

“At the time of the celebrations inside the stadium officials there did not know what had happened … I would like to send my heartfelt condolences,” Dhumal said.

Shivakumar said cricket organisers had “shortened the programme”.

Bengaluru had erupted in midnight celebrations after their team, who scored 190-9, restricted Punjab to 184-7.

India’s mega-T20 tournament wrapped up on Tuesday night watched by 91,000 fans packed into the stadium in Ahmedabad – and many millions more on TV.

Bengaluru fans celebrated wildly after their hero Kohli and team clinched victory for the first time in the 18 years of the IPL, their three previous finals having all ended in defeat.

Deadly crowd incidents are a frequent occurrence at Indian mass events such as religious festivals due to poor crowd management and safety lapses.

A stampede at India’s Kumbh Mela religious fair in January this year killed 30 people and injured several others.

In July last year, 121 people were killed in northern Uttar Pradesh state during a Hindu religious gathering.

© Agence France-Presse

Photo: Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images

11 dead in India cricket stadium stampede as tragedy strikes during IPL celebrations

A stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, India has left 11 dead and dozens injured before planned celebrations following RCB’s IPL triumph

Thousands of fans descended on the Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate RCB’s IPL success

Eleven people have died with dozens more injured after a crush outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru ahead of celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who just claimed the IPL title.

The stadium was hosting a victory parade to celebrate the team’s success. When the incident occurred the gates of the stadium “were not even opened, but there were so many people trying to push through a small gate that the stampede took place”, an official said.

‌

Thousands of people had lined the streets on Wednesday and Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters that authorities had not expected so many to turn out. The stadium itself holds just over 32,000.

‌

The BBC reports that more than 200,000 people came out for the victory parade – but they thought only half that amount would attend. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “mishap in Bengaluru is heartrending” and added that his “thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones”.

DK Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, told reporters that “the crowd was very uncontrollable”. The RCB team were scheduled to drive in a procession to the stadium before the crush occurred. The players reached the stadium for a brief reception where Indian icon Virat Kohli spoke after cutting a tearful figure as he claimed IPL glory.

Article continues below

Prior to the incident a huge number of people from different parts of the city had moved towards the stadium, using several modes of transport wearing RCB jerseys. Metro trains were so packed that people were unable to board as passengers continued to chant the team’s name.

Auto rickshaws and taxis did not respond to requests from people who wanted to be dropped anywhere near the stadium. Those who got lifts had to agree to being dropped several kilometres away.

11 have been killed after a stampede near the stadium

Article continues below

After reports of people losing their lives in the crush, people began rushing away to metro stations as authorities attempted to get control of the situation. They shut down the stations around the stadium as huge crowds had gathered on the platforms.

RCB said in a statement: “We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”

21:16 (IST) Jun 04

Union minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said that the Congress government in Karnataka should take full responsibility for the stampede during the RCB victory celebrations here and alleged that lack of proper planning and “complete failure” to take precautionary measures led to this unfortunate incident.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that 11 people died and 33 were injured due to a stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium, where a special felicitation ceremony was organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Academy (KSCA) to honour the RCB players for its maiden IPL victory, ending a 18-year-old long wait.

Kumaraswamy said that the stampede near the stadium, resulting in the unfortunate death of people, had left him deeply shocked.

“It is extremely painful to see innocent lives lost even before the celebrations could begin. The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures. The state government, led by @INCKarnataka, must take full responsibility for this disaster,” the JD(S) leader said in a post on ‘X’.

A devastating tragedy struck Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, claiming 11 lives and injuring over 30 people in a crowd crush outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans had gathered to celebrate the team’s historic Indian Premier League (IPL) victory, secured the previous day against Punjab Kings. The event, featuring a planned reception at the stadium, spiraled into chaos as a massive crowd attempted to push through a narrow gate. Authorities, caught off guard by an estimated 200,000 attendees, struggled to maintain order despite a significant police presence. Karnataka’s government announced compensation of 10 million rupees for victims’ families and free treatment for the injured. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and state leaders expressed condolences, while investigations were launched to probe organizational failures.

The incident turned a moment of triumph into mourning. Fans, dressed in RCB jerseys and waving flags, filled Bengaluru’s streets, but the overwhelming turnout led to chaos, with ambulances struggling to reach the scene. Police reported that the stadium gates remained closed when the crush began, exacerbating the situation.

Fatalities: 11, including one woman and a primary school student.

Injured: Over 30, some critically, treated at hospitals like Bowring and Vydehi.

Event: Celebration of RCB’s first IPL title in 18 years, held at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Overwhelming crowd size

Authorities were unprepared for the scale of the crowd, estimated at over 200,000. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with a capacity of 35,000, was ill-equipped to handle the influx. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted that organizers expected only 100,000 fans, a miscalculation that proved fatal. The crush occurred near a gate by Cubbon Park, where fans climbed walls and broke barriers in their attempt to enter.

Local television footage captured harrowing scenes of unconscious fans being carried by police and bystanders attempting CPR. Despite a large police presence, officers struggled to manage the chaos, resorting to mild baton charges in some areas. Traffic gridlock in central Bengaluru further delayed emergency response efforts, complicating hospital transfers.

Planned celebration

RCB’s victory, led by captain Rajat Patidar, marked their first IPL title after 18 years. The team arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday afternoon, greeted by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at HAL airport. A formal reception took place at Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature, attended by Governor Thawarchand Gehlot and other officials.

Reception: Team honored at Vidhana Soudha before heading to the stadium.

Cancellation: Open-bus parade scrapped due to security and traffic concerns.

Stadium event: Brief ceremony with Virat Kohli addressing fans inside.

Crowd estimate: 200,000 to 300,000 people in the streets, per official reports.

The original plan included an open-bus parade, but Bengaluru police canceled it citing safety risks. Instead, the Karnataka State Cricket Association organized a stadium event, which drew thousands of ticketless fans, contributing to the chaos outside.

Official responses

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah visited Bowring and Vydehi hospitals to oversee treatment of the injured. He announced 10 million rupees in compensation for families of the deceased and ordered a magisterial inquiry, with a 15-day deadline to investigate lapses. The government pledged free medical care for the injured, some of whom remain in critical condition at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heart-rending,” extending condolences. Governor Thawarchand Gehlot demanded a thorough probe and preventive measures. Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged the challenge of managing such a large crowd but vowed to improve safety protocols.

Eyewitness accounts

Fans at the scene described a frantic atmosphere. Siddharth H.N., a student, recounted intense pressure at the gates, with people crushed against barriers. Another witness, speaking anonymously to BBC Hindi, noted that while the stadium’s interior was crowded but manageable, the real chaos unfolded outside as ticketless fans surged forward.

Transportation to the stadium was overwhelmed. Metro trains were packed, with stations like Cubbon Park temporarily closed due to overcrowding. Fans chanted RCB slogans in jammed compartments, while rickshaws and taxis refused fares near the stadium or dropped passengers kilometers away.

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗿𝘂

We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this… pic.twitter.com/C0RsCUzKtQ — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

IPL and RCB’s legacy

The Indian Premier League, one of the world’s richest sports leagues, has made RCB a household name, though the team had never won a title until 2025. Their victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, witnessed by over 90,000 at Narendra Modi Stadium, sparked nationwide celebrations. Virat Kohli, a team icon since 2008, dedicated the win to RCB’s loyal fanbase.

The fervor surrounding RCB, fueled by its star-studded roster and dedicated supporters, led to the massive turnout in Bengaluru. The 18-year wait for a title amplified the excitement, but the tragedy highlighted the risks of managing such passionate crowds at high-profile events.

Organizational failures

Karnataka’s opposition, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, criticized the Congress-led government for poor planning. B.Y. Vijayendra, state party leader, accused authorities of prioritizing publicity over safety. Former Chief Minister Basavaraja Bommai called for a high-level probe, arguing that rushed preparations contributed to the disaster.

Criticism: Opposition highlights inadequate crowd management and security.

Inquiry: Magisterial investigation launched with a 15-day deadline.

Venue capacity: Chinnaswamy holds 35,000, but 200,000+ gathered outside.

Security measures: Police used batons to control gate-crashing attempts.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association faced scrutiny for hosting the event without sufficient crowd control measures. While canceling the bus parade was prudent, it failed to prevent the chaos at the stadium’s entry points.

History of crowd crushes in India

Crowd crushes are not uncommon at large-scale events in India, particularly during religious festivals and sports celebrations. In January 2025, over 30 people died at the Maha Kumbh festival due to a stampede during a ritual river bath. High population density and intense enthusiasm for events like the IPL increase risks, especially at venues with limited infrastructure.

Chinnaswamy Stadium’s central location in Bengaluru, surrounded by busy roads, poses logistical challenges. The lack of planning for external crowds on June 4 exposed systemic issues in managing major public gatherings.

RCB’s response

Informed of the tragedy, RCB halted celebrations within minutes, according to D.K. Shivakumar. The franchise issued a statement expressing grief and offering condolences to victims’ families. Virat Kohli, who spoke briefly at the stadium event, refrained from further comments post-incident.

The controlled environment inside the stadium contrasted sharply with the disorder outside. Fans within reported a festive mood until news of the crush spread, prompting a swift dispersal.

Emergency measures

Ambulances struggled to navigate Bengaluru’s congested streets, delaying hospital transfers. Bowring, Vydehi, and Manipal hospitals treated victims, with six deaths reported at Bowring and four at Vydehi. Three critically injured patients were moved to intensive care units.

Police bolstered security around the stadium post-incident, while Bengaluru’s metro suspended service at nearby stations due to platform overcrowding. Central Bengaluru’s traffic remained snarled for hours as fans dispersed.

Community impact

The tragedy stunned Bengaluru, India’s tech hub. Fans who gathered to celebrate RCB’s long-awaited victory were left grieving. Social media overflowed with condolences, with figures like Sachin Tendulkar and India’s Vice President expressing solidarity.

The incident sparked discussions on safety at sports events. RCB’s popularity, driven by stars like Kohli, draws massive crowds, necessitating stronger planning. The ongoing investigation will be critical in identifying lapses and proposing reforms.