Tragedy at Chinnaswamy: What was meant to be a jubilant celebration turned into a heart-wrenching tragedy on Wednesday evening, as seven passionate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans lost their lives in a deadly stampede at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident unfolded as thousands of supporters gathered to mark RCB’s historic title win, only to face the consequences of severe crowd mismanagement and inadequate security protocols.
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Chinnaswamy Stadium under choas. Gates are not opened at the right time. Crowd acted crazy and broke the gates and entered which led to Stampede.
Pathetic management by Government and Stadium authority. pic.twitter.com/OtLOgfa49B
— 👑Che_Krishna🇮🇳💛❤️ (@CheKrishnaCk_) June 4, 2025
please confirm? Tf there’s a stampede situation at Chinnaswamy pic.twitter.com/6mCwLA960R
— Prashas-☕ (@yesimbackonline) June 4, 2025
The celebration, slated to commence at 5 PM, quickly spiraled into chaos when only two entry gates — Gate 13 and Gate 14 — were opened to accommodate an overwhelming number of fans. According to eyewitnesses, the rear entrance of the stadium became a pressure point as more than 10,000 supporters surged forward, eager to secure a spot for the event.
“The crowd was swelling rapidly, and people were pushing from all directions,” said one attendee, still shaken by the incident. “There was no proper announcement, no management, just confusion and panic.”
As security checks at the gate slowed the flow of people, tensions escalated. Frustration and restlessness among the fans grew, and eventually, the crowd breached the gates, leading to a horrifying stampede. At least 20 individuals were trampled in the chaos, with many falling and being crushed as others pushed forward blindly, unaware of the danger ahead.
Seven fans lost their lives — one reportedly due to a heart attack amid the panic, while the remaining six succumbed to injuries sustained during the rush. Over a dozen others remain in critical condition at nearby hospitals, fighting for their lives.
Emergency services struggled to navigate through the thick crowds to reach the injured. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes of unconscious fans being carried out by bystanders, and sirens wailing through the night as ambulances tried to break through traffic.
One of the victims, identified as 22-year-old Mehul Raj from Tumakuru, had traveled over 80 kilometers to witness the celebration. “He was the biggest RCB fan in our family,” said his tearful sister. “He was so excited. He never came back.”
RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) have released a joint statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident and pledging support to the victims’ families. “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved fans. We will extend every possible support to the affected families and ensure such tragedies never repeat,” the statement read.
However, questions are now being raised about the planning and execution of the event. With such a massive turnout anticipated after RCB’s long-awaited championship win, why were only two gates opened? Why wasn’t crowd control better enforced? Were enough medical and security personnel on standby?
The Bengaluru Police have launched an investigation into the incident, promising accountability and corrective measures. Meanwhile, social media has erupted with grief and outrage, with fans demanding justice and systemic changes to ensure stadium safety.
This tragedy casts a long shadow over what should have been a moment of pride for RCB fans. The club’s historic title, earned through months of grit and teamwork, is now marred by the grief of families who sent their loved ones to celebrate — and never saw them return.
As the city mourns, memorials and candlelight vigils are already being planned by fan groups across Bengaluru. For now, the celebration has been replaced by silence, sorrow, and the painful reminder that joy must never come at the cost of human lives.
