Lack of regulation at gates of stadium led to stampede, says Justice D’Cunha panel

The Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission that probed the stampede at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium that killed 11 and left 71 injured on June 4, has held “not regulating the entry into the gates and making reckless announcements with regard to the entry into the stadium” as the “root cause for the stampede and the consequent death and injuries”.

“This situation was created by the organisers themselves due to the lack of preparation and hasty decision, which tantamount to recklessness bordering or grass negligence, for which the organisers should be made accountable,” the report said. 

“A huge crowd had gathered at the venue in response to the post made by the RCB on its official handle by way of two posts at 7.01 a.m. and 8 a.m. Though the general public were invited for the proposed event in large numbers, the details as to the manner of entry to the stadium was not specified even after the crowd surged at the stadium, and the crowd was not directed to the respective gates,” the report said.

“The absence of coordinated messaging and reliable updates prevented effective crowd management and contributed directly to the uncontrolled surge at various gates, most notably at Gate No.7, 2/2A, 18, 20 and other gates where 1 1 deaths and 71 injuries were recorded due to the chaotic crowding caused by communication failures,” it further said. 

Deployment inadequate 

The report said that the security provided by the police was “inadequate and ineffective to meet the exigency”. Under deployment of security and police personnel at high-risk gates compounded the security lapses, the report further said, adding that even these men and officers were not visible at the venue during the crisis.

“Despite clear signs of overcrowding and rising risk, the exit gates were not opened in time. It was a serious act of negligence on the part of security authorities and absence of emergency protocols. One of the key contributing factors to the stampede was the improper and unscientific installation of the barricades and the narrow constricted entry gates,” the report said.

The report further said that ambulances were deployed far off like on Old Airport Road and there was no casualty reception point or temporary medical centre, which meant that critical time was lost in providing life saving care to victims of stampede. 

Shift big events out

The report finds that “the design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering” and “given these systematic limitations” the commission “strongly recommends that stadium authorities consider relocating events that are expected to attract large crowds to venues that are better suited for such large gatherings”. 

Any future venue should adhere to international standards, including built queuing and circulation zones separated from public roads, adequate entry / exit gates for mass entry and exit, integrated public transport access points and tourist hubs, emergency evacuation plans compliant with international safety norms and sufficient parking and drop off infrastructure.

“Until such infrastructural changes are made, continuing to host high attendance events at the current location poses unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility and emergency preparedness,” the report says.