Online Reporter
MUMBAI. – Eleven people died in Bengaluru on Wednesday due to injuries suffered during a stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where the Royal Challengers Bengaluru players were being celebrated for winning the IPL for the first time in 18 years.
There have been reports of injuries to several more people, who have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
RCB are coached by former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower while Chevrons pace spearhead Blessing muzarabani is a member of the squad.
Karnataka’s chief minister Siddaramaiah said he had ordered an inquiry into the chain of events that led to the tragedy.
“I don’t want to defend this incident,” Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday evening.
“Our government is not going to do politics on this. I have ordered a magisterial inquiry, and given them 15 days’ time. There are only small gates at the stadium; hope you’ve visited the stadium.
“People entered through the gates, and broke them. A stampede took place; no one expected such a huge crowd. Capacity of the stadium is only 35,000, but two-three lakh people have come to participate in the celebration. I’m not denying or saying nothing happened, that’s why I’ve ordered an enquiry. The pain of this tragedy has also erased the joy of victory.”
Several police personnel engaged to manage crowds on Wednesday afternoon were seen carrying fans – some of them minors – to hospital amid rain and heavy traffic that had come to a grinding halt, even as RCB’s victorious squad held the trophy aloft as celebrations continued in front of at least 25,000 fans who had made it inside the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
ESPNcricinfo understands the chaos outside the venue prompted state police to issue a directive to the franchise, urging them to keep the celebrations brief. A planned victory lap around the ground was also curtailed as the players exited the venue quickly.
A family member of one of those injured described the scenes as “complete mismanagement” by local authorities.
At least four fans were brought in unconscious from the nearby Cubbon Park Metro Station.
Hours after the end of the event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB issued the following statement:
“We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us.
“RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Immediately upon being made aware of the situation, we promptly amended our program, and followed the guidance and advice of the local administration. We urge all our supporters to please stay safe.”
An administrative staff member at one of the hospitals confirmed emergency cases ranging from dehydration to bruises and mild skull fractures.
There were also cases of exhaustion and trauma caused by the stampede-like situation that led to several fans trying to climb the boundary wall of the stadium along Cubbon Road.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his condolences. “It is very unfortunate. This is a negative side of popularity,” he said.
“People are crazy for their cricketers. The organisers should have planned it better. My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. I wish early recovery of the injured.” – Cricinfo
