Bengaluru: What began as a night of jubilation for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans turned into a heartbreaking tragedy, as 11 people lost their lives during a mass celebration following the team’s dramatic IPL playoff win.
The incident occurred late Tuesday night in central Bengaluru when a massive crowd gathered to celebrate RCB’s unexpected win, which secured their place in the IPL finals after years of heartbreak and near misses. However, the celebration spiraled out of control, resulting in a deadly stampede and multiple fire-related casualties, authorities confirmed.
What Went Wrong?
According to police reports, a large gathering assembled outside a popular sports café and adjacent public square to watch the live screening. As RCB clinched victory in the final over, fireworks were lit, and celebratory firecrackers were hurled into the crowd. This triggered panic and confusion, particularly in a congested lane with no proper emergency exits.
“The moment the final wicket fell, the crowd surged forward. Some tried to light fireworks in the middle of the crowd,” said an eyewitness. “Then there was shouting, smoke everywhere… people started running.”
The chaos led to a stampede-like situation, with at least six people reportedly crushed underfoot. In a separate but related mishap, a nearby firework accidentally ignited a plastic banner tied to a power pole, causing a fire that engulfed part of the gathering area, leading to burn injuries and asphyxiation in five more victims.
Casualties and Response
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and over 30 injured people were taken to nearby hospitals, including several in critical condition. Karnataka CM and the Bengaluru Police Commissioner have ordered a high-level investigation, and initial findings point toward gross mismanagement and lack of crowd control.
“This is an unimaginable tragedy. A time for celebration has turned into mourning. We are ensuring proper support to the families of the deceased,” said a state government spokesperson.
Public Outrage and Reflection
The tragedy has sparked public outrage over inadequate safety measures, especially for public screenings and large gatherings. Netizens flooded social media with condolences but also questioned the absence of crowd management protocols during such a high-stakes game.
RCB Issues Statement
RCB, which had only just broken its streak of playoff exits, issued a heartfelt statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “While we celebrated our on-field success, we are devastated to hear of the loss of lives off the field. Our prayers and support go to the families affected. This is a moment of reflection for all of us,” said the franchise.
Singh News Media will continue to follow this story and provide updates as investigations unfold.
