The catastrophe occurred amid a victory parade honoring the team’s first IPL trophy. Authorities had anticipated a substantial crowd, but the turnout reportedly exceeded expectations, with an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 fans attempting to enter a venue with a capacity of only 35,000.
As the fans pushed forward, a crush ensued, resulting in numerous fatalities, including a 13-year-old girl. Many were either crushed or suffocated in the throng, and survivors were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah labeled the incident as a ‘major tragedy,’ acknowledging the authorities were ill-prepared for the crowd size. “We didn’t foresee such a massive turnout,” he remarked in a press conference, noting that a comprehensive inquiry had been initiated.
“This incident should have been preventable. The government expresses profound sorrow over this occurrence,” the chief minister stated, according to NDTV.
“I have directed a magisterial inquiry to be completed within 15 days. Attendees even forced open the stadium gates. A stampede occurred. No one anticipated such a large crowd. The stadium accommodates only 35,000, yet nearly 300,000 gathered. The government has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the deceased and will provide free medical care to those injured,” the Chief Minister further elaborated.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appeared teary-eyed as he addressed the media for the first time following the stampede.
#WATCH | Bengaluru: Karnataka DCM DK Shivakumar breaks down as he comes out to address the media for the first time after the #BengaluruStampede. pic.twitter.com/1GDMZOBAm4
— ANI (@ANI) June 5, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences, describing the fatalities as ‘absolutely heartrending.’
The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for a swift recovery for the injured: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 4, 2025
RCB shared a collective statement on social media, “We are profoundly saddened by the unfortunate events reported by the media regarding the public gatherings across Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of everyone remain our top priority.”
RCB star
Virat Kohli shared the statement, saying, “At a loss for words. Absolutely crushed.”
“The tragic incident in Bengaluru yesterday has brought immense grief to the RCB family,” RCB expressed on social media on Thursday.
“In a gesture of respect and solidarity, RCB has announced a financial support of ₹ 10 lakh to each of the eleven families affected by the tragedy. Additionally, a fund named RCB Cares is being established to aid fans harmed in this unfortunate event,” the organization noted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the tragedy ‘heartbreaking.’ “My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have passed. Here’s wishing a swift and complete recovery to all the injured,” he posted on X.
The tragic stampede near Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations is heartbreaking.
My condolences to the families who lost loved ones. Wishing a swift and full recovery to all those injured.In this time of sorrow, I stand with the people of…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 4, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia remarked to India Today, “It is very unfortunate what has transpired.” He clarified that the board had ‘no involvement’ in it.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal conveyed, “It is indeed tragic. What began as a celebration turned into calamity. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families mourning their losses. For the BCCI, the IPL concluded last night, and we were unaware of any such incident occurring.”
BCCI vice-president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla stated to news agency ANI, “Such events can occur in any state, and the ruling party should not be held accountable. This situation shouldn’t be politicized. If a similar incident occurred in a BJP-ruled state, we shouldn’t assign blame. The crowd was immense, and I spoke to the franchise; they too did not foresee the turnout, leading to this unexpected incident. We are striving to provide maximum assistance to the families of the deceased.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations in Bengaluru, BCCI vice-president and Congress MP Rajeev Shukla remarks, “This can happen in any state, and the ruling party should not be blamed. It ought not to be politicized. If it were in a BJP-ruled state… pic.twitter.com/FDPbJ56FM9
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar expressed on X, “What transpired at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is profoundly tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.”
What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all. ????
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2025
Indian spinner Anil Kumble extended his wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the stampede. “It’s a sad day for cricket! My heart is with the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. I pray for a quick recovery for the injured. Tragic,” he voiced on X.
It’s a sad day for cricket! My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives while celebrating RCB’s victory today. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured. Tragic! ??????????
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) June 4, 2025
The celebration had been designed as a grand occasion, with the team anticipated to meet fans and parade the trophy.
