- BENGALURU — The
celebrations for the first-ever IPL victory of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB) turned tragic on Wednesday with over 50 fans injured and falling sick,
and eight feared killed following a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium here.
The incident occurred while fans were attending the celebration event for the
RCB team lifting the IPL 2025 trophy.
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- The authorities have confirmed that the bodies of two
persons are at Bowring Hospital and that of four others at Vaidehi Hospital.
Six persons are being treated in the ICU of the Vaidehi Hospital and three are
admitted to the ICU. Sources confirmed the death of other two persons.
Also read: RCB leaning on experienced players brought better decision-making under pressure — Bangar
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- The identities of the deceased are yet to be established.
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- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar
visited the Bowring hospital.
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- The stampede took place when thousands of fans attempted to
enter the stadium in a hurry from various gates. Police at the scene
transported the injured to ambulances and shifted them to the nearby Bowring
Hospital.
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- Police stated that the ambulances were unable to move
quickly to the hospital due to the overcrowding on the roads.
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- In a separate incident, one fan, while climbing a gate to
jump into the stadium, fell and broke his leg.
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- Despite the presence of numerous police personnel, they are
struggling to control the massive crowd. People are seen climbing trees and
sitting on branches to catch a glimpse of the celebration. More details
regarding the incident are yet to emerge.
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- The government of Karnataka had earlier cancelled the
victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, citing
security reasons.
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- Police stated that they have been controlling the
celebrating crowds since Tuesday night. Throughout the night, forces have been
engaged in managing them and ensuring no untoward incidents occurred.
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- A huge number of crowds have also thronged the Vidhana
Soudha premises to witness the felicitation program by the government. Police
had to resort to a mild cane-charge to control the crowd.
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- Earlier, when the RCB team arrived at the HAL airport here
on Wednesday, they were personally welcomed by Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
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- He presented bouquets to each player. Shivakumar especially
greeted cricketer Virat Kohli, presenting him with both the RCB team flag and
the Kannada flag.
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- Virat Kohli joyfully received the flags and posed for
photographs with the Shivakumar.