A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in 18 deaths and 15 injuries, as massive crowds rushed to board trains bound for Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. The tragedy unfolded on platforms 14 and 15, where delays and cancellations of multiple trains caused severe overcrowding.
Key Updates on the Incident:
- Massive Rush for Maha Kumbh – Thousands of passengers gathered at the station to catch trains to Prayagraj, leading to an uncontrollable surge in crowds.
- Casualties – 18 people, including three children, lost their lives, while 15 others sustained injuries in the chaos.
- Government Response – Delhi’s acting Chief Minister Atishi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, with Modi calling the incident “distressing” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
- Train Delays Worsened Situation – The Prayagraj Express, Swatantrata Senani Express, and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani were delayed, leading to an unprecedented buildup of passengers at the station.
- Ticket Sales Contributed to Overcrowding – Officials reported that the station was selling 1,500 general tickets per hour, resulting in overwhelming congestion at platform 14 and near the escalator at platform 16.
- Eyewitness Accounts – Passengers described severe pushing and jostling, with many struggling to breathe in the packed conditions.
- Emergency Response – Rescue teams rushed to the site, providing medical assistance and clearing congestion to prevent further incidents.
- Investigation Ordered – Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine accountability and prevent future tragedies.
- Additional Measures – To ease crowding, the Railways dispatched four special trains to facilitate travel for devotees heading to Prayagraj.
- Appeal for Caution – Authorities have urged travelers to follow safety guidelines and remain patient as they work to manage the high volume of passengers during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
Efforts are underway to support the victims’ families and ensure better crowd management for the remaining festival period.
