Chest, abdomen injuries and asphyxia confirmed in victims of New Delhi Railway stampede

The bodies of the victims who died in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station were brought to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML). Sources from the hospital revealed that most of the deceased had injuries to their chest and abdomen, with asphyxia likely being the cause of death. 

Dr. Ajay Shukla, the Medical Superintendent at RML Hospital, confirmed, "We received five bodies—one male, aged 25, and four females, including three in their thirties and one aged 70. Four of the bodies have been handed over to the families."

Sources from the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital (LNJP) shared that many of the victims who were injured in the stampede suffered lower limb and bone injuries. After receiving primary treatment, the injured patients at LNJP were discharged, with a team of 15 doctors currently overseeing their care.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday night, around 10 pm, when 18 people lost their lives. The stampede took place as thousands of devotees, heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, caused severe overcrowding at the station.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with one recalling that the crowd surged from both sides after an announcement about a platform change for the trains. "There was no one to manage the crowd," one witness said. "There was no one to control the crowd... It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 would now arrive on platform number 16. So, the crowd came from both sides, and a stampede occurred... some people were taken to the hospital..."

Another eyewitness mentioned that the situation quickly got out of hand. Despite the presence of administration officials and NDRF personnel, the crowd became uncontrollable as it exceeded the capacity of the station. 

"The crowd was beyond control; people were gathered at the foot over the bridge... Such a huge crowd wasn't expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during festivals. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn't possible to control them," he said.

In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased. For those seriously injured, a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh will be provided, while those with minor injuries will receive Rs 1 lakh.

ANI