At least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in a crowd surge outside a cricket stadium in the Indian city of Bengaluru.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, as fans gathered to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic first Indian Premier League (IPL) title.
According to authorities, chaos erupted as thousands of supporters lined the streets near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, waving the team’s red flags and climbing trees and walls for a better view as the team arrived in a bus for the evening event.
Police said the trouble began when individuals without passes attempted to force their way through the gates.
Further commotion occurred between the outer perimeter and the main arena, leading to a deadly stampede.
Images from the scene showed people being trampled and climbing over one another in the crush.
Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed at least 11 fatalities and 47 injuries.
“At a time of celebration, this unfortunate event should not have happened.
“We are saddened by this. The fans that showed up were beyond our expectations,” he told reporters.
One police officer was seen carrying an injured spectator to an ambulance, while others received emergency CPR on the ground.
Footage also showed unconscious individuals being assisted by bystanders.
A witness, software engineer Mithun Singh, described how police began using batons at one gate, further escalating the panic.
Naseer Ahmed, political secretary to the chief minister, told NDTV the crowd became unmanageable and authorities were unable to put sufficient measures in place.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had distributed free passes for the celebration through its website, but warned of limited availability.
Despite the incident, the ceremony inside the stadium continued. Metro services near the venue were suspended.
India has a history of deadly crowd incidents, particularly at religious gatherings.
In January, more than 30 people died during the Maha Kumbh Hindu festival, where millions gathered to bathe in sacred waters.
Wednesday’s celebration marked Bengaluru’s victory over Punjab Kings in the final of the 18th edition of the IPL, the world’s richest cricket league.