A chaotic scene unfolded at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, resulting in at least 15 passengers sustaining injuries and several others losing consciousness.
The incident occurred on platforms 13 and 14, where a large crowd had gathered to board a train heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh festival.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the overwhelming number of passengers led to severe overcrowding, causing many individuals to experience suffocation.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
Despite the alarming reports, the Railway unit of the Delhi Police has refuted claims of a stampede, attributing the injuries primarily to the effects of overcrowding and suffocation.
Authorities are currently investigating how such a large number of people managed to gather at the station, particularly in light of reports indicating that many were without tickets.
Videos circulating on social media depict the frantic rescue efforts, showing passengers being carried out on goods trolleys as they were assisted from the train.
The situation has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at one of the busiest railway stations in the country.
As the Railways and Delhi Police work to restore order, officials are emphasizing the need for better crowd control measures, especially during peak travel times associated with major events like the MahaKumbh.
The festival, which attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists, has historically led to significant surges in passenger traffic, necessitating enhanced planning and coordination among authorities.
Passengers and onlookers expressed their shock at the incident, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the overcrowding and the lack of ticket checks is ongoing, with officials pledging to address the issues that contributed to the chaos.
As the situation stabilizes, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers traveling through New Delhi Railway Station during this busy period.
