Tragedy Strikes as Stampede at Cricket Stadium in India Leaves 11 Dead
Tragedy struck at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru city, Karnataka state, as a stampede resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people and left more than 30 injured. The incident occurred as a massive crowd of cricket fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the winners of the Indian Premier League, the popular T20 cricket tournament.
Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, revealed that the stampede happened when the crowd attempted to break through a stadium gate to join the celebrations. This unexpected turn of events led to the loss of lives and injuries among the gathered fans.
Among the casualties, 33 individuals sustained injuries, with most reported to be in stable condition and receiving medical attention at nearby hospitals. Siddaramaiah expressed sadness over the incident, stating, “At a time of celebration, this unfortunate event should not have happened. We are saddened by this unexpected turn of events.”
Cricket enthusiasts had gathered to commemorate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory in the Indian Premier League. The team had distributed free passes for the event and urged fans to adhere to the guidelines set by the authorities.
Despite the tragic incident outside the stadium, celebrations continued inside. Local TV channels captured footage of emergency responders tending to the injured and transporting them to medical facilities.
D.K. Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, described the crowd as “uncontrollable,” highlighting the challenges faced by authorities in managing such large gatherings.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the negative consequences of the immense popularity of the sport. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the need for better planning and organization to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the victims and their families, describing the incident as “heartrending.” He expressed solidarity with those affected by the stampede.
Stampedes are not uncommon in India during large events where crowds converge. Earlier in the year, a similar tragedy occurred during the Maha Kumbh festival, claiming the lives of 30 individuals as thousands of Hindus gathered to bathe in a sacred river.
