TV
A joyous moment in Bengaluru turned into a devastating tragedy on Wednesday as a stampede outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. The incident unfolded during the much-anticipated IPL victory celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), when an uncontrollable crowd surge at the stadium gates spiralled into panic and disaster.
Eyewitnesses Describe a Scene of Desperation
Mahesh, an eyewitness who spoke to ANI, recalled the horrifying moments: “Many had come to see Virat Kohli and the team. A lot of girls pushed the gates trying to enter. I saw three girls fall, but no one could rescue them. Even the police were helpless due to the massive crowd.”
Another fan, trapped in the crowd, added, “The gates were packed. We couldn’t go in or out. People were injured and crying for help, but the gates stayed shut, likely to prevent an even worse rush inside.”
Visuals of Destruction and Panic
Images posted by ANI showed fans climbing over cars, damaging property in desperation. One car was visibly wrecked, symbolizing the frenzy that gripped the area.
RCB Felicitation Ceremony Overshadowed by Loss
While the felicitation ceremony was meant to honor RCB’s historic win, the joy was overshadowed by grief and criticism. Organizers now face scrutiny over inadequate crowd control and safety arrangements.
Also Read: 11 dead, 33 injured in stampede near Bengaluru cricket stadium: Siddaramaiah
A Call for Accountability and Reform
This tragedy has reignited conversations around public safety at large-scale events. With celebrity-driven gatherings attracting massive crowds, authorities must prioritize disaster preparedness and implement stricter crowd management protocols.
Celebration Shouldn’t Cost Lives
What should have been a moment of city-wide pride ended with tears and unanswered questions. As Bengaluru mourns the lives lost, this incident stands as a sobering reminder: public enthusiasm must never come at the cost of public safety. It's time for event planners, law enforcement, and governing bodies to come together and ensure that celebration never turns into a catastrophe again.
