A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including 14 women and 5 children. The incident occurred as thousands of Hindu pilgrims gathered to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.
Details of the Incident
The stampede unfolded around 8:00 PM local time on platforms 14 and 15. Witnesses reported that confusion ensued following an announcement about a change in train platforms, leading to a sudden surge of passengers. Some individuals slipped while descending a footbridge connecting the platforms, triggering a chain reaction that resulted in the deadly crush.
Immediate Response
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene. Porters and bystanders assisted in transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Despite initial denials of a stampede by railway authorities, the death toll was confirmed after midnight.
Official Statements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, stating, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery.” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an investigation to determine the cause of the stampede and emphasized that assistance is being provided to those affected.
Context and Previous Incidents
This tragedy comes just weeks after a similar incident during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, where at least 30 people lost their lives in a pre-dawn stampede. Such occurrences highlight the challenges of managing massive crowds during significant religious gatherings in India.
Conclusion
The New Delhi railway station stampede underscores the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety protocols during large-scale events. As investigations continue, authorities face mounting pressure to implement measures that prevent such tragedies in the future.
