At least 11 people died, and nearly 50 were injured in a stampede outside M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, during an event to felicitate the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team after their maiden IPL title win.

The event, organised by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, drew an overwhelming crowd. Even though it was for people with valid tickets and passes, fans thronged the premises to catch a glimpse of their team’s cricketing heroes.

According to preliminary information provided to the government, a temporary slab placed over a drain near the stadium premises collapsed under the weight of people standing on it, said sources. The sudden collapse caused panic and a stampede ensued, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged the deaths, but did not divulge any further information. “I can’t confirm the numbers yet. I’m going to the stadium, now. Lot of emotional fans... we had deployed 5,000 personnel,” he told  TV, about the security arrangement.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, "We finished the event in 10-15 mins because of the stampede and death.”

The deceased include young men and women from 13 to 35 years old. At Bowring Hospital, six people were confirmed dead, including three women, and three men. Vydehi Hospital reported four deaths and Manipal Hospital confirmed one death.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar visited the hospital and met with those injured.