Bengaluru: At least seven people lost their lives and more than 50 sustained injuries in a stampede that broke out near Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) victory parade.
The incident occurred as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the team’s maiden IPL title win.
According to reports, several cricket enthusiasts fainted near the stadium due to overcrowding during a special felicitation event organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). In the chaos, a car parked outside the venue was also damaged after fans climbed over it to catch a glimpse of their favourite players.
Visuals from the scene showed police personnel rushing to assist the injured and shifting unconscious individuals to nearby hospitals. However, official confirmation regarding casualties and injuries was still awaited at the time of reporting.
Despite the weather turning rough with sudden rainfall in parts of Bengaluru, massive crowds continued to gather outside the stadium and other key locations in the city to welcome and cheer the RCB players.
Earlier in the day, the Karnataka government officially felicitated the RCB team for their historic win.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar honoured the players at a brief ceremony held on the steps of the iconic Vidhana Soudha. The team, led by Rajat Patidar, was presented with the traditional Mysuru peta, shawls, and garlands.
RCB clinched their maiden IPL trophy with a six-run win over Punjab Kings in a thrilling final held in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, breaking an 18-year title drought.
Following the state-level felicitation, the team was scheduled to participate in a special event organised by the KSCA at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
