Bengaluru IPL Victory Parade Turns Deadly: 11 Killed in Stampede
A celebratory parade in Bengaluru turned tragic as a massive crowd surge resulted in the deaths of eleven people and injuries to dozens more. The event was organized to honor the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following their Indian Premier League (IPL) victory.
Overwhelming Crowds Lead to Tragedy
Thousands of fans flocked to Bengaluru to celebrate RCB's win against the Punjab Kings. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged that the turnout far exceeded expectations. One police official estimated the crowd size to be over 200,000, double the anticipated number.
The incident occurred as eager fans attempted to enter the stadium. According to officials, the gates were not yet opened, and the sheer volume of people attempting to push through a narrow entrance led to the deadly stampede.
Condolences and Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow, calling the event "heartrending" and offering his condolences to the bereaved families. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also conveyed his shock and grief, lamenting that "a moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow."
Event Precursors and Aftermath
Prior to the incident, the RCB team arrived by special flight and was greeted by officials. A procession was planned, culminating in a reception at the Vidhana Soudha. However, the crush at the stadium cut the celebrations short. The massive crowds also caused significant transportation disruptions, with metro stations overcrowded and public transport overwhelmed.