In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the cricket community, a stampede during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fan event at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium left multiple attendees injured and at least three reportedly dead. Former RCB captain and cricketing icon Virat Kohli has reacted with deep sorrow, calling the tragedy “absolutely gut-wrenching.”
The stampede occurred on Thursday evening when thousands of fans gathered for the much-hyped “RCB Unbox” celebration, a pre-IPL promotional event involving player appearances, performances, and fan interactions. What began as a festive occasion soon turned chaotic as crowd control measures failed to manage the overwhelming turnout.
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Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Kohli expressed his grief:
“Absolutely gutted to hear about the tragic incident at Chinnaswamy. My heart goes out to the families of those affected. Praying for everyone’s recovery and strength. This should never happen at a celebration of the game we all love. ”
Though Kohli was not present at the venue during the incident, he has long been a central figure of the franchise and remains emotionally connected to RCB and its fanbase. His statement struck a chord with fans and fellow cricketers, who joined in offering condolences and calling for accountability.
Videos from the event show overwhelmed security personnel trying to restrain eager fans at multiple entry gates. Eyewitnesses report that miscommunication about entry passes and a sudden surge near the barricades led to the deadly stampede. Several women and children were among the injured, who were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals.
The Karnataka Police have launched an investigation into the event’s planning and crowd control arrangements. Meanwhile, the RCB management has issued a statement offering their condolences and promising full cooperation with the authorities.
RCB’s official spokesperson stated:
“We are devastated by the unfortunate turn of events. The safety of our fans is paramount. We are reviewing all protocols and are working closely with local administration to ensure those injured receive the best care possible.”
As the city mourns the loss of innocent lives, questions are being raised about the organization of large-scale fan events and the lack of adequate emergency measures. Fans on social media have also voiced their anguish and called for better planning from both the franchise and the authorities moving forward.
While cricket remains a celebration in India, Thursday’s tragedy serves as a sobering reminder that fan safety should never be compromised — something Virat Kohli and millions of others now mourn with heavy hearts.