RCB fan frenzy turns fatal: 11 dead, 75 injured

BENGALURU: What began as euphoric celebrations to mark Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title ended in tragedy Wednesday evening, when a stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and left 75 others injured.

The incident, one of the worst fan-related disasters in Indian cricket history, unfolded as thousands gathered to celebrate RCB’s long-awaited victory.Those confirmed dead include Bhoomik (21), Sahana (19), Poornachandra (32), and Prajwal (20), Chinmayi (19), Dewanshi (13), Shravan (20), Devi (29), Shivalingaiah (17), Manoj (33), and Akshatha (age yet to be confirmed).RCB clinched their first IPL trophy on Tuesday night, ending a 17-year drought.

With the mood in the city electric, the team announced a grand victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the stadium, with Virat Kohli leading the procession, cup in hand.

It was enough to send ecstatic fans running to the stadium even before the team’s arrival from Ahmedabad.The situation spiralled out of control near Gate 7 of the stadium as the crowds swelled beyond manageable levels. Many collapsed due to asphyxiation in the crowd crush.

While 33 fans were hospitalised, 42 others were treated as outpatients.

The state govt attributed the tragedy to the fan frenzy on the streets. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said: “It is deeply shocking. A moment of joy has been eclipsed by sorrow. Nearly three lakh people descended to celebrate, nobody expected so many people. We thought the stadium with a capacity of 35,000 would get filled. But no one expected such a huge turnout.”

The state govt announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to each of the victim’s families and free treatment to the injured. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each of the bereaved families. However, senior police officials maintained that the state govt had been warned about the the risks of holding a victory parade and celebrations at such short notice, just hours after RCB had clinched the title. Eyewitnesses and survivors criticised the lack of proper crowd control and security arrangements, calling the preparations inside and around the stadium pathetic.Though 1,500 cops were deployed, they were outnumbered by the sheer size and enthusiasm of the crowd who were waiting to rush into the stadium.With two events planned — a public felicitation one at Vidhana Soudha and a reception at the KSCA — the police force deployed had to be split between the two venues, stretching them thin.“Fans, who had no idea on how to get passes or buy tickets for the celebrations, tried to force themselves inside,” police said. The govt has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy.Confusion on entry into the stadium with no clarity on which gates to use, led to the stampede-like situation, said many who were at the scene.