The city of Bengaluru was gripped by both elation and despair on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, as celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) victory turned tragic. A massive stampede near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and Vidhana Soudha resulted in at least 7 fatalities, with reports suggesting the death toll could climb higher. Over 50 people sustained injuries, many of whom are in critical condition, casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a historic day for the franchise and its devoted fans.
News of the stampede spread rapidly, with initial reports indicating that the incident occurred as thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium, eager to catch a glimpse of the victorious RCB team. The team had just arrived in Bengaluru after defeating the Punjab Kings in the IPL final in Ahmedabad, securing their maiden title after 18 seasons. The Karnataka government had organized a felicitation ceremony to honor the team's achievement, drawing an overwhelming response from fans across the city.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of chaos and desperation. The sheer volume of the crowd overwhelmed security arrangements, leading to a crush near the entry gates of both the Vidhana Soudha and the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Some reports indicate that a drain slab collapsed outside the stadium, further exacerbating the situation and trapping several people. Videos circulating on social media show locals desperately trying to pull people out of the narrow space.
Emergency services struggled to navigate the congested roads surrounding the stadium, delaying the response and adding to the distress. Injured individuals were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Bowring Hospital, Vydehi Hospital and Manipal Hospital, where medical staff worked tirelessly to provide treatment.
The incident has sparked outrage and finger-pointing, with questions raised about crowd management and event preparedness. Preliminary reports suggest that the police had denied permission for an open-top bus parade, yet the celebrations went ahead, attracting massive crowds. Some political figures have alleged that the state government's "haste" to hold a victory rally without adequate preparations led to the tragedy, demanding a judicial investigation into the matter.
In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the stampede and assess the lapses in crowd control measures. The Karnataka government has promised to take steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. Meanwhile, the city mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of a day that began with jubilation but ended in heartbreak. The joyous occasion of RCB's long-awaited IPL victory has been forever tainted by this devastating event.
