In a tragic turn of events, eleven lives were lost, and many others were injured in a devastating crash outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru. The chaos unfolded during a victory parade celebrating the home team’s triumph in the Indian Premier League, as confirmed by the state’s chief minister.
On Wednesday, throngs of fans filled the streets to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), fresh off their thrilling victory over the Punjab Kings in the IPL cricket final just a day prior.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the media, revealing that the turnout exceeded the expectations of the authorities.
A police official revealed to the BBC that over 200,000 fans turned out for the victory parade, a staggering figure that surpassed their initial expectations of just 100,000 attendees.
In a shocking turn of events, an official revealed that the stadium gates had yet to be opened when chaos erupted. “There were so many people trying to push through a small gate that the stampede took place,” he stated, highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the “mishap in Bengaluru,” stating that it is “heartrending” and extending his condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones.
State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his profound shock at the heartbreaking loss of lives.
“A moment of triumph has been overshadowed by heartbreak,” he remarked.
The RCB squad touched down at the historic HAL airport via a special flight, where they were warmly welcomed by Karnataka’s deputy chief minister, DK Shivakumar. The team made their way in a grand procession to the hotel, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting event.
The scene was set for an impressive reception on the steps of the grand Vidhana Soudha, the heart of the state legislature. There, Governor Thawarchand Gehlot,
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and a host of ministers gathered to welcome the team in a display of camaraderie and respect.
The squad was set to make their way once more to the stadium in a parade-like fashion before the chaos unfolded.
The squad made their way to the stadium for a quick reception, where cricket icon Virat Kohli addressed the crowd. “The atmosphere was electric, with a massive crowd packed inside,” an anonymous eyewitness told BBC Hindi.
Before the event unfolded, throngs of fans from various corners of the city converged on the stadium, donning their RCB jerseys and arriving by every conceivable mode of transport.
The metro trains were so overcrowded that numerous individuals, including yours truly, found themselves unable to board any compartment. Throughout the journey, fans both aboard the train and gathered outside united in a mighty chorus, chanting the team’s name with unwavering enthusiasm.
In a frustrating turn of events, auto rickshaws and taxis failed to heed the calls of fans eager to reach the stadium, leaving many stranded and searching for alternative transportation options. Those who consented left commuters stranded several kilometers from their destination.
In the wake of tragic reports detailing lives lost in the crash, a frantic exodus ensued as individuals hurried towards metro stations.
In a decisive move, authorities closed the stations surrounding the stadium as massive crowds flocked to the platforms, creating an electric atmosphere ahead of the event.
