On Saturday night, at least 18 people, including nine women, five children, and four men, lost their lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. The chaos erupted as thousands of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh Mela attempted to board their trains, leading to overcrowding and panic.
The injured individuals are currently receiving medical attention at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital. Among the deceased, the oldest victim was reported to be 79 years old, while the youngest was a seven-year-old girl.
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Railways announced a compensation package for the victims’ families: Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for individuals with minor injuries.
According to railway officials, the incident occurred around 10 PM on platforms 13 and 14. Reports indicate that a sudden influx of passengers caused some individuals to faint, which sparked rumors of a stampede. This led to widespread panic and chaos among the crowd.
The Northern Railways quickly intervened by dispatching four special trains to alleviate the overwhelming rush. A high-level inquiry into the incident has also been initiated.
Eyewitness accounts and multiple videos circulating on social media depict a scene of utter chaos, with large groups of passengers struggling to navigate the crowded station. Many were seen carrying children on their shoulders, while others grappled with heavy luggage amidst the turmoil.
A massive crowd converged on platform 14 for the Prayagraj Express. Delays in two other Prayagraj-bound trains, the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani, exacerbated the congestion, creating a volatile situation that ultimately led to the devastating stampede.
Initial reports suggest that the overcrowding resulted in severe suffocation, leaving four female passengers unconscious. Their conditions were reported as critical, prompting immediate medical attention at LNJP Hospital.
Delhi Fire Services received an emergency call and promptly dispatched four fire tenders to the railway station. Ambulances were also sent to assist with the situation, and a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived to conduct rescue operations.
The overcrowding was exacerbated by delays in train schedules, particularly the Prayagraj Express, which was stationed at platform 14. Passengers waiting to board this train, along with those from the delayed Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani, contributed to the overwhelming crowd on platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, confirmed that approximately 1,500 general tickets had been sold, leading to an uncontrollable surge of passengers.
In the aftermath of the stampede, the platforms were left in disarray, with personal belongings such as clothes, slippers, and shoes scattered across the area, a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as one of sheer panic, with injured individuals lying on the platform as others rushed to help. The sudden escalation of the situation caught many off guard, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for immediate action to address the situation.
“There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder and stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy. I have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation,” Saxena stated in a post on social media platform X.
As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about crowd management and emergency preparedness at one of the busiest railway stations in the country, especially during major events like the Maha Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of devotees from across India.
