What was meant to be a day of grand celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. As thousands gathered to cheer for RCB’s first-ever IPL title win, a stampede broke out, leaving at least 10 people dead and many injured.
In the wake of the horrifying incident, Virat Kohli issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow.
“My heart is broken,” Kohli shared. “This victory was for the fans, but no celebration is worth lives lost. I urge everyone to always prioritise safety.”
What Happened?
RCB had just ended an 18-year-long wait by defeating Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final. Naturally, the streets around Chinnaswamy Stadium flooded with an estimated 2-3 lakh fans, far exceeding the stadium’s capacity of 35,000. The crowd became unmanageable, leading to chaos and eventually, a stampede.
Reports confirmed six deaths at Bowring Hospital and four more at Vydehi Hospital. Dozens were rushed to nearby facilities with serious injuries.
RCB’s Official Response
In a joint statement, RCB management and Virat Kohli shared their grief:
“We are deeply saddened. The program was immediately amended the moment things started getting out of control.”
“Let’s make sure no celebration costs lives. Our fans mean the world to us, and their safety comes first.”
They also promised full cooperation with authorities and support for the families of the victims.
Celebration Turned Sorrow
What was supposed to be a joyful moment in Bengaluru’s cricket history has now become a dark and painful memory. Questions are being raised about crowd control and security arrangements, with investigations already underway.
🕯️ RCB may have lifted the trophy, but the hearts of many remain heavy.
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