The incident during RCB's IPL victory celebrations isn't the first time that sports fanaticism and administrative lapses have caused fatalities
Fans stand next to abandonned shoes and a fallen barrier following a stampede during celebrations, a day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory at the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match, outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on June 4, 2025. At least 11 people were killed in a stampede on June 4, as a tightly packed crowd celebrated the victory of their home cricket team in the Indian city of Bengaluru, the state's chief minister said. Image: AFP
Celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title in 18 years was marred by tragedy as at least 11 people were killed and 47 injured as fans cascaded on Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium for the victory celebrations. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the mishap was triggered by the presence of nearly 2 to 3 lakh fans trying to enter a stadium that has a capacity of about 35,000.
This is not the first time that sports fanaticism and administrative failure have resulted in crowd rush and the loss of lives. Forbes India recounts some of the major stadium tragedies:
Dutch delegation (R) and relatives stand in a minute silence at the memorial to those who died in a stampede at Moscow's Luzhniki stadium October 20, 2007. At least 66 fans died in a stampede during the UEFA Cup match between FC Spartak Moscow and HFC Haarlem on October 20, 1982. Image: Reuters/Sergei Karpukhin (RUSSIA)
1985: Ground staff clear the aftermath of the Heysel disaster after the European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. It was the last game any English club was allowed to play in Europe for ten years. Juventus won the match 1-0. \ Mandatory
Image: David Cannon/Allsport