Bengaluru: What began as a day of rapturous celebration over the IPL victory of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) turned into one of crushing tragedy in Bengaluru on Wednesday evening when 11 people — all aged below 40 — died and 47 were injured when a massive build up of fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium led to chaos and stampede.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a magisterial enquiry into the incident that drew sharp criticism over failed crowd management by the opposition.
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06 June 2025
The tragedy unfolded near the gates of the stadium, where thousands of fans had gathered to mark RCB’s historic first title win in 18 years. Overcrowding and narrow passageways led to a deadly rush. Mr. Siddaramaiah admitted that while the stadium could hold around 32,000 people, well over 2 lakh had gathered there. Doctors attributed all the deaths to asphyxia, a condition arising when the body is deprived of oxygen, causing unconsciousness or death.
While six of the 10 deaths have been confirmed at the State-run Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital and Research Institute in Shivajinagar, four persons, including a female corporate professional, were brought dead to Vydehi Super- speciality Hospital on Mallya Road. One death was reported at Manipal Hospital, Millers’ Road.
Slow build up
A sea of loyal RCB fans had begun converging at the Stadium since afternoon, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite players with the much-coveted trophy as part of the anticipated open-bus victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium. A victory parade announced by the RCB team, though the police claimed to have not allowed it, had led to lakhs congregating all around the stadium.
A stampede occurred at the gates of the stadium when they demanded to be let in even as the stadium was full. Police were outnumbered as the frenzied fans fell over each other to gain entry and jumped over barricades. Even as chaos and tragedy unfolded outside, the event in the stadium scaled down and wrapped up in a hurry. The felicitation event prior to this, at Vidhana Soudha, attended by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, was also hurriedly concluded.
What doctors say
Meanwhile, giving details of deaths and injuries, Bowring Hospital Dean cum Director Manoj Kumar H.V. said five, including a 13-year-old girl, were brought dead and a 25-year-old woman was gasping for breath and died in casualty. Apart from the six deceased, including three women, 18 injured fans are currently being treated in the hospital. While a few of them have suffered fractures (ankle, spine and neck) and injuries in the leg and abdomen, a few have suffered head injuries. Their condition is stable as of now, the doctor said.
Vydehi Medical Administrator Humera Sayeeda said apart from the four deceased, 12 others who have suffered injuries are under treatment at the hospital. Their condition is stable, she said.
Since late afternoon, roads in and around the stadium and the entire Central Business District (CBD) were choked and traffic police had trouble ensuring smooth movement of vehicles as huge crowds descended by road, Namma Metro, and on foot.
