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A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening resulted in 16 deaths and 10 injuries. The incident occurred around 9:55 PM on platforms 14 and 15, following the cancellation of two trains to Prayagraj, leading to chaos among passengers. The deceased include two children. Authorities have launched a high-level probe into the incident.
The stampede was triggered by the cancellation of two trains bound for Prayagraj, causing overcrowding on platforms 14 and 15. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra noted that the situation escalated due to an influx of passengers from delayed trains, with approximately 1,500 general tickets sold, rendering the crowd uncontrollable.
Emergency services, including four fire tenders, were promptly dispatched to the scene to assist in rescue operations. The injured were transported to Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan Hospital for treatment. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the situation is under control and announced the operation of four special trains to evacuate stranded passengers, with more arrangements underway.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.
The stampede coincides with the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival, a significant Hindu pilgrimage attracting millions to Prayagraj. The festival has led to a substantial influx of pilgrims at railway stations, intensifying the challenges of crowd management.
The Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level investigation to determine the causes of the stampede and identify any lapses in protocol. The findings are expected to inform future strategies to prevent similar incidents, particularly during large-scale events.
The incident has sparked widespread grief and concern nationwide. Citizens and public figures have called for improved safety measures in public transportation hubs to prevent such tragedies in the future.
