Eleven people have been killed and dozens injured in a crush outside a cricket stadium in Bengaluru, which was hosting a victory parade to celebrate the home team’s Indian Premier League win, the state’s chief minister said.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who defeated the Punjab Kings in the IPL cricket final the day before, had gathered in the streets of Bengaluru on Wednesday to welcome them.
Siddaramaiah, the state’s chief minister, told reporters that the number of people who had turned out was unknown.
The stadium’s gates were not even opened when the tragedy struck, according to an official who spoke for the organization. “There were so many people pushing through a small gate that the stampede took place,” the official said.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the “mishap in Bengaluru as heartrending” and said his “thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones”
State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his shock at the “tragic loss of lives.”
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar received the RCB team on a special flight to the old HAL airport. They were transported to the hotel in procession.
The meeting between Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and other ministers took place on the steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature’s seat, as a precursor to the reception.
Prior to the crush, the team was scheduled to drive in a procession to the stadium once more.
However, the team made it to Virat Kohli’s stadium for a brief speech before leaving for a brief reception. One eyewitness, who declined to give his name, told BBC Hindi, “There was a huge crowd inside.”
Prior to the incident, a large number of people from various parts of the city had gathered outside the stadium in RCB jerseys of all different modes of transportation.
Many people, including this reporter, could not get inside any of the Metro trains because they were so packed. All while the team’s name was chanted in chorus throughout the passengers on both sides of the train.
People who requested to be dropped off near the stadium did not receive a response from the auto rickshaws and taxis. Those who agreed dropped commuters close to the station.
People began rushing to metro stations after seeing reports of fatalities in the crush- spreading.
Source: BBC
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