Stampede deaths: Individual preparedness crucial for safety in public spaces, say doctors

Stampede dangers highlighted by recent tragedy, emphasizing need for individual preparedness in crowded public spaces, say doctors.

The stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium here, on June 4, during which 11 people died and 47 were injured, draws painful echoes of large-scale crowd disasters which took place during events such as the Maha Kumbh Mela. While the incidents highlight the perilous combination of fan fervour and poor planning, safety in public spaces also requires individual preparedness, say doctors.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), which was last published in 2022, India arguably has a record of the highest number of stampedes and resultant injuries and fatalities. Between 1996 and 2022, India recorded 3,935 stampedes, resulting in more than 3,000 recorded deaths. 

During a stampede, people often die not due to trampling, but from a condition called compressive asphyxia, where pressure on the chest prevents normal breathing. A crowd density exceeding six to seven people per square metre can significantly impede movement and breathing, potentially leading to severe oxygen deprivation and death, say doctors. 

Sunil Kumar K., lead consultant, interventional pulmonology at Aster CMI Hospital, said that crowded public gatherings can turn hazardous, especially for those with underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). 

“Even before a full-blown stampede occurs, the dense human congestion can drastically reduce oxygen availability and increase carbon dioxide inhalation, triggering acute respiratory distress. Individuals in such a situation can experience a surge in panic, heat, and low ventilation, precipitating into a life-threatening illness within minutes,” Dr. Kumar said.

Pointing out that people with compromised lungs are especially at risk in these scenarios because they already operate with limited respiratory reserve, the doctor said early symptoms might present as breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing, or dizziness, which are often mistaken as anxiety. 

Stressing that safety in public spaces requires individual preparedness as well, he said it is advisable that people with asthma or COPD always carry their rescue inhaler or prescribed medication when attending public events. “It is also advisable to stay close to exits, to allow for a quick escape if needed,” he said.