NEW DELHI: At least 18 people killed, including 14 women and several others were injured in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night, according to Delhi Police.
The incident was triggered by a surge in the crowd of passengers waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is underway, on platforms 14 and 15 of the station. Within 15-20 minutes, chaos broke out as passengers rushed forward, leading to multiple casualties and injuries.
Follow live updatesAccounts from victims
Eyewitnesses reported that the crowd surge was sparked by the delay of two trains, which led to an unexpected influx of passengers. As people rushed to board the special train, the situation spiralled out of control, with some passengers fainting amid the sudden surge. This sparked rumours of a stampede, leading to further panic.
One victim recounted the loss of his mother in the chaos. "We were traveling to Chhapra, Bihar, but my mother lost her life in the crowd. People were pushing each other," he said, adding that the doctor confirmed her death. Another family member collapsed in grief at the hospital.
The Northern Railways CPRO, however, initially denied that a stampede had occurred, calling it a "rumour." Despite this, authorities confirmed multiple casualties and injuries, prompting an emergency response.
PM Modi expresses grief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident. In a post on X, he said, "Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede."
Rescue and response efforts
Following the incident, the Delhi Fire Service received an emergency call, and four fire tenders were deployed to the station. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Delhi Police officials assisted in evacuating injured and fainted passengers, who were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Northern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Himanshu Upadhyay, stated that the overcrowding led to people pushing each other, causing injuries. "They were taken to hospitals for first aid," he said.
Authorities have since brought the situation under control. DCP Railway KPS Malhotra stated that the rush had subsided and confirmed that the unexpected crowd surge was the primary reason behind the chaos. Further investigations are underway to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
Railway minister orders high-level probe
Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level investigation into the incident. In response to the massive crowd, he also confirmed that four special trains were arranged to manage the unexpected rush, with additional trains on standby.
In a post on X, Vaishnaw said, “4 special trains to evacuate this unprecedented sudden rush at NDLS. The rush has now reduced.”
While the railway minister denied reports of a stampede, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh referred to the incident as one in his message.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh reacts
Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences on social media, saying, “Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to the stampede on the railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Kharge slams Modi govt over stampede
Reacting to the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the Modi government, accusing it of attempting to conceal the truth about the incident.
Kharge expressed his grief over the fatalities, stating, "The news of deaths due to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely painful. The videos coming from the station are heart-wrenching."
He further condemned the alleged cover-up, calling it "shameful and condemnable." Kharge demanded that the government promptly announce the number of dead and injured and ensure the identification of missing persons.
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