Ranchi- Several spectators were injured, three of them seriously, after a stampede-like situation broke out outside the Jharkhand State Cricket Association International Stadium in Dhurwa ahead of the final match of the Jharkhand Premier League on Tuesday evening.
Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari said the state government had acted swiftly and assured that all injured spectators were receiving proper medical care.
In a post on X, the minister said there was no need for panic, adding that the Health Department had immediately swung into action. He said the Civil Surgeon and other officials had been instructed to oversee relief efforts, ambulances were dispatched to the venue without delay, and hospitals had been alerted to provide the best possible treatment.
“I am personally monitoring the situation, and the Health Department is fully engaged in relief and treatment efforts,” Ansari said.
According to officials, three injured spectators — a young man and two young women — were admitted to Raj Hospital in Ranchi, where they are undergoing treatment.
Eyewitnesses said thousands of cricket fans had started arriving at the stadium hours before the match. The situation turned chaotic shortly before the game began when a massive crowd gathered at the West Gate.
Long queues reportedly formed because of slow entry procedures and security checks. As more spectators continued to arrive, pushing and jostling intensified near the entrance, triggering a stampede-like situation.
Angry over the delays, some spectators allegedly tried to force their way through the security barricades, damaging parts of the West Gate and barricading in the process.
Police and district administration officials rushed to the spot and deployed additional security personnel to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The administration has launched an inquiry to determine what caused the incident and has tightened security arrangements at the stadium.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over crowd management and safety measures at major sporting events, especially during high-profile matches that draw large numbers of spectators.
With inputs from IANS