Stay Safe in the Crowd: What To Do When Stuck in a Stampede

(Featured image courtesy The Daily Jagran)

What was meant to be a day of celebration turned tragic in Bengaluru yesterday, as a joyous crowd gathered for the RCB victory parade. In what should have been a memorable event, a stampede unfolded, leading to the loss of 11 lives and injuries to more than 30 individuals.

It’s a harsh reminder that large gatherings, whether they are concerts, rallies, or sports parades, can quickly turn dangerous if crowd control fails or panic sets in. While such incidents are rare, they can escalate rapidly. In such moments, being informed and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

Here are seven expert-recommended tips from professional crowd controllers to help you stay safe during a stampede or crush situation:

1. Note the exit points 

As soon as you enter a venue or event space, take a moment to mentally map out all possible exit routes; not just the main entrance, but also side doors, emergency exits, and any pathways that lead away from dense crowds. 

Look around for landmarks that could serve as points of safety in a crisis, such as raised platforms, staircases, balconies, trees, or even parked vehicles. These elevated or less crowded spots can provide a temporary refuge or a clearer view of your surroundings during an emergency. 

2. Do not turn around

If you drop something in a dense crowd, don’t bend down or turn back for it. In situations where large crowds move in waves, such as during concerts, festivals, or sporting events, it is more important to stay on your feet and move. 

Stopping suddenly can cause others behind you to trip or push, increasing the risk of a fall. In extreme crowd surges, it is crucial to prioritise personal safety over belongings.

3. Find elevated platforms 

If the crowd becomes overwhelming and movement becomes difficult or chaotic, try to climb onto something sturdy and elevated, such as a car, platform, concrete bench, or even a wide railing. Being above the crowd can help you avoid the most dangerous pressure zones and give you a better vantage point to assess the situation or signal for help. 

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Avoid leaning against fixed structures like walls, fences, or metal barricades. These can quickly become crush points if the crowd surges, trapping individuals with nowhere to move and increasing the risk of injury or suffocation. 

4. Adopt the boxer position

In a dense, surging crowd, protect your chest by holding your arms up in front of you with clenched fists, elbows slightly outward — similar to a boxer's defensive stance. Imagine you're bracing yourself in a narrow tunnel, using your arms as a shield to create a small pocket of space around your lungs. 

This position helps you maintain balance, absorb pressure from all sides, and, most importantly, keep your ribcage from being compressed so you can breathe. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly staggered, like a fighter ready to absorb impact — this will give you more stability and reduce the risk of being knocked over. 

5. If you fall, curl up

If you fall down in a dense crowd, your immediate goal is to protect yourself from being trampled. Quickly curl into a fetal position — knees drawn to your chest, arms wrapped tightly over your head and neck. Imagine forming a human shield around your vital organs. 

Avoid lying flat on your back or stomach; this makes you more vulnerable, and the weight of people falling or stepping on you can cause severe internal injuries. By curling up, you minimise your surface area and create a stronger, more compact shape that can better withstand pressure while you wait for a chance to rise or be helped up. 

If you can, try to roll toward the edge of the crowd where there may be less force and more room to get back on your feet.

6. Conserve oxygen

Don’t scream or push, no matter how intense the panic feels. While that’s easier said than done, staying as calm as possible is crucial in a tightly packed crowd. Screaming wastes precious oxygen, and pushing can escalate panic, triggering dangerous chain reactions. Instead, focus on steady, controlled breathing while inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth as if you’re trying to stay afloat underwater. Try to stay put and look for exit points as soon as you can. 

7. Move diagonally during lulls

Crowds often move in powerful, unpredictable waves like the tide, pulling and crashing with each surge. After a strong push or compression, there's usually a brief lull, a moment of stillness before the next wave. Use this window like a swimmer catching their breath between breakers. Move diagonally or sideways, slipping through the shifting gaps rather than fighting directly against the current.

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Think of it like navigating through a moving forest of bodies, your goal is to make your way to the edges, where pressure is lower and movement is freer. The dense centre is the most dangerous zone, where people can become trapped or crushed, so every small step toward the perimeter increases your chances of safety. 

And perhaps the most important advice of all: listen to your instincts. If the crowd starts to sway or feels too packed, it’s okay to leave early. It’s better to exit safely than to wait until it’s too late.

Crowds are a part of life, especially in a country like ours, where celebrations are vibrant and community-driven. But staying informed and alert can go a long way in ensuring that a moment of joy doesn’t turn into tragedy. 

Source

Chinnaswamy Stadium Stampede LIVE: 11 Dead In Bengaluru Stampede; Siddaramaiah Says Over 2 Lakh Showed Up: by NDTV, Published on 5 June, 2025.