The stampede was reported outside Gate 2 of the stadium shortly after RCB players reached the Vidhana Soudha to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The crowd outside the stadium had been swelling for hours amid confusion over whether the victory parade would actually take place.

The Bengaluru Traffic Police had initially denied permission for the procession, citing crowd management concerns, but thousands had already gathered to celebrate the team’s maiden IPL triumph.

“This is truly a matter of deep sorrow,” Dhumal said.

“What was meant to be a day of celebration has turned into a wave of grief. On behalf of the BCCI, I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. We are deeply saddened that people who came to celebrate were struck by such a tragedy.”

Trying to distance the IPL governing body from the operational chaos, Dhumal added: “As far as the BCCI is concerned, the IPL concluded on Tuesday.

All necessary protocols were discussed with the concerned administration.”

The tragic scenes outside the stadium unfolded rapidly. As barriers collapsed, panic spread among the crowd. Police personnel, unable to control the surge, watched as many fans were crushed in the chaos.

Emergency teams rushed the injured to Bowring and Vydehi Hospitals.

Survivors described heart-wrenching scenes of people gasping for breath, unconscious bodies on the ground, and cries for help drowned in the commotion.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

"What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all.🙏," Tendulkar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh and opener Aakash Chopra also mourned the tragedy and extended their condolences to the families of the victims.

"Heartbreaking news of a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, resulting in the tragic loss of lives and injuries to several cricket fans, has cast a dark shadow over the spirit of the game that unites millions across our nation," Harbhajan Singh wrote on X.

"My deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate event. I stand in solidarity with them during this incredibly difficult time and pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured," said Harbhajan.

Chopra also expressed his shock at the horrific incident.

"Speechless. Numb. A victory parade for an IPL win claims innocent lives. Heart goes out to the affected and their loved ones," the former India opener and noted commentator said in his social media post.

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Deadly stampede mars IPL celebration in India