Key points
- Lack of planning, miscommunication to blame: Indian media
- Sudden release of “free passes” may have fueled the chaos
- Blame game continues as authorities deflect responsibility
ISLAMABAD: A joyous celebration for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first-ever Indian Premier League title turned into a nightmare on June 4, as a massive stampede outside the city’s Chinnaswamy Stadium left 11 people dead and dozens injured, including four teenagers.
According to Indian news outlet News Laundry, the tragedy was the result of a cascading failure in crowd management, coordination, and communication between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, cricket authorities, and local government.
Multiplicity of failures?
Confusion over a possible open-bus victory parade, conflicting social media posts, and the sudden release of “free passes” fueled the chaos as tens of thousands of fans swarmed the area.
The state government claimed the event was organised by the cricket association, while Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah admitted police underestimated crowd size.
Police officers told The News Minute that they had not been given clear plans or instructions. Only a fraction of the stadium’s 21 gates were opened, leading to dangerous bottlenecks.
Deadliest crush
As fans, many without tickets, rushed between gates trying to enter, panic erupted near Gate 7, where the deadliest crush occurred. While chaos unfolded outside, the felicitation ceremony inside continued, with fans cheering, largely unaware of the unfolding tragedy.
RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association announced a compensation of approximately $6,000 for each victim’s family. Indian cricket board officials expressed sorrow and criticised the lack of planning. RCB star Virat Kohli said he was “at a loss for words.”
The incident has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a historic moment for the team and the city.
