Bengaluru transformed into a scene of chaos on Wednesday as throngs of fans descended onto the streets to be part of the IPL 2025 winner RCB team’s victory parade and catch a glimpse of their heroes. This overwhelming turnout ultimately spiraled into a deadly stampede, claiming the lives of 11 people and injuring many others. But what led to this disaster? What arrangements were in place? How did such a massive crowd gather? Providing answers to these pressing questions was journalist Nikhil Naz, who was present during the incident...
Nikhil Naz recounted his harrowing experience, stating he witnessed the chaos firsthand and managed to escape through a VIP gate. He explained the circumstances...
Where Did the Stampede Occur?
The stampede unfolded outside the Cubbon Park metro station. A large crowd of youths, predominantly boys, began dancing and blocking the road, creating the mayhem.
How Did the Stampede Happen?
People attempting to move on either side of the road found their path blocked by the enthusiastic mass. In an effort to pass through the crowd to reach either side of the stadium, some began pushing forward. Amid this frenzy, primarily girls and some young boys were trampled. Security presence was nonexistent, as personnel were confined to the gates alone.
Only Two Ambulances Initially Available
Those who were trampled were carried unconscious into the stadium to access the ambulances stationed there for hospital transport. With only two ambulances available on the scene, some were left without immediate aid. Security personnel improvised by carrying those in need across their arms to reach the main road and find transport to hospitals. Due to crowded streets outside the stadium, these unconscious individuals were carried nearly 500 meters until regular traffic was accessible for transportation to medical facilities.
How I Survived
We found ourselves trapped in the crowd as we headed towards Gate 13, our entry point. We encountered three distinct crowds converging – one moving from Cubbon Park towards Gate 13, another from Gate 13 towards Gates 1-2, and the third rooting themselves in place, creating a scene of riotous dancing and shouting. There was a moment when the situation spiralled out of control, and we had to push through the madness to escape the whirlpool of bodies. Unfortunately, not everyone was as fortunate.
