At least 11 people lost their lives and over 30 were injured during a stampede on Wednesday as large crowds attempted to enter a cricket stadium in Karnataka, South India, according to local authorities.
The incident unfolded as tens of thousands of cricket fans gathered outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru city to celebrate the victory of the Indian Premier League, a globally popular T20 cricket tournament.
Karnataka’s Prime Minister Siddharamaiah noted that the crowd, in its eagerness, overwhelmed one of the stadium’s gates while trying to join in the festivities.
Siddharamaiah confirmed the fatalities and injuries, stating that among those hurt, most are in stable condition and receiving medical attention at nearby hospitals. He expressed sorrow over the unfortunate event, remarking, “This shouldn’t have happened at such a celebration.”
“Nobody anticipated this kind of turnout,” he added.
Fans had convened to mark Bengaluru’s first Indian Premier League championship win. The team had issued free entry passes through its website, encouraging attendees to adhere to guidelines from police and officials.
The team expressed its “deep sorrow” over the tragedy.
Local news footage showed some individuals receiving assistance from paramedics, while celebrations continued inside the stadium.
Karnataka’s Deputy Prime Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, commented on the situation, saying, “The crowd was truly out of control.”
The Indian Cricket Committee, which oversees the IPL, released a statement reflecting their “deep unhappiness” over the incident.
“This highlights the downside of popularity. People become so engrossed with cricketers. Better planning was essential,” said Devajit Saikia from the BCCI.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as “heart-wrenching” and extended his condolences to those mourning their loved ones.
Stampedes like this one are not uncommon in India when massive crowds gather. Just earlier this year, around 30 people died during the Mahakumbh Festival as tens of thousands rushed to bathe in a sacred river, marking the world’s largest religious assembly.
