At least 11 people have died and dozens more have been left injured during a gathering outside a cricket stadium in India, following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Indian Premier League victory.
The incident happened as thousands of cricket fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru city to celebrate RCB winning the IPL for the first time in their history, a day after their six-run victory over Punjab Kings.
Karnataka state chief minister Siddaramaiah, who uses only one name, said the crowd tried to break one of the stadium’s gates and enter to take part in celebrations.
Huge crowds gathered to celebrate RCB’s IPL victory on Tuesday
Eleven people were killed and 33 others were injured, he said, adding that most of the injured were stable and receiving treatment in hospitals.
“At a time of celebration, this unfortunate event should not have happened,” Siddaramaiah said. “We are saddened by this. The fans that showed up were beyond our expectations.”
Indian TV news channels showed visuals of police being stretchered away from the ground and emergency personnel carrying people into ambulances.
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, said on X: “The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.
“I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery.”
Cricket great Sachin Tendulkar added: “What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.”
The event was being held to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first Indian Premier League title win on Tuesday.
D.K. Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka state, told reporters that “the crowd was very uncontrollable, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India – who organise the IPL – called the incident “unfortunate.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli lifted the trophy in front of packed crowds on Wednesday
RCB release statement after ‘tragic loss of lives’
The ceremony for the players was still held inside the stadium, where players like Virat Kohli and RCB captain Rajat Patidar spoke on stage.
In a statement, RCB said: “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.”
RCB batter and former India captain Virat Kohli reposted the team’s statement along with a message of his own on Instagram, saying: “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”
BCCI president Devajit Saikia told NDTV: “After such a grand closing yesterday, it’s really unfortunate and unexpected that this kind of news is coming out of Bangalore.
“We have the deepest condolences for all the family members of those who have died in this very tragic incident. We are praying that whoever is injured are getting the best of treatment so they can get the earliest recovery.”
