IPL 2025: Stampede at RCB Victory Parade in Bengaluru Leaves 7 Dead, Dozens Injured
Bengaluru, 4th May 2025: A stampede erupted outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday as thousands of jubilant Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans surged towards the venue, eager to celebrate the team’s historic first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win after 18 years. The chaotic scenes unfolded shortly before the much-anticipated RCB victory parade and fan engagement event, leading to a dangerous crush at multiple entry points.
Reports indicate that at least seven people have died and more than 25 have been injured, with several in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described overwhelming crowds, with fans attempting to scale walls and fences in a desperate bid to get inside the stadium. Police struggled to control the situation, resorting to a lathi-charge to disperse the surging masses. The injured, including women and children, were rushed to nearby Bowring Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The incident occurred despite repeated warnings from authorities and appeals for calm. The Karnataka State Cricket Association had organized a special felicitation for the RCB squad, but the sheer volume of fans, many without entry passes, overwhelmed security arrangements. The chaos was exacerbated by confusion over whether the open-top bus parade would proceed, with authorities initially announcing its cancellation before making last-minute preparations.
Bengaluru’s central areas experienced severe congestion, with roads blocked and metro services overwhelmed. Trains on the Purple Line were packed beyond capacity, forcing metro officials to issue urgent announcements urging passengers not to board overcrowded trains. Social media was flooded with images of fans mobbing metro stations and streets, highlighting the scale of the crowds and the challenges faced by emergency services.
The tragic event has sparked widespread criticism of crowd management and public safety arrangements. Authorities are under scrutiny for underestimating the turnout and failing to implement adequate safety measures. The RCB franchise and local officials had appealed for calm and urged fans to follow police guidelines, but the overwhelming enthusiasm and lack of coordination led to the devastating stampede.
The RCB team, led by captain Rajat Patidar and star player Virat Kohli, had arrived in Bengaluru earlier in the day to a hero’s welcome, with fans lining the streets and cheering the players as they made their way from the airport to the Vidhana Soudha. The team was scheduled to proceed to the stadium for a fan event, but the festivities were overshadowed by the tragedy at the gates.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review crowd control protocols and public event management strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The city remains in shock, with condolences pouring in for the victims and their families. The incident has cast a pall over what should have been a joyous celebration of RCB’s long-awaited triumph.
