'The crowd became uncontrollable': Woman recalls horror of Delhi railway station stampede | VIDEO

New Delhi: As the death toll from the overnight stampede at New Delhi Railway Station rose to 18 on Sunday, a woman travelling from Delhi to Bihar recounted her ordeal at LNJP Hospital, describing how she was separated from her family in the chaos. 

Speaking about the terrifying moments, she said one of her family members was among those who lost their lives in the incident. "At first, it was announced that the train would arrive at platform number 12. Later, they announced it would come at platform 14. The crowd grew and became uncontrollable, and many people were crushed. It became so crowded that people were being trampled," she said.

“I got information that the bodies have been kept here so I have come here to collect the body of my relative. We were going to Chhapra, Bihar. I have no idea about my train ticket, and neither do I know which train I was supposed to board”, she added. 

The panic unfolded as passengers rushed between platforms following the sudden change in announcements. Northern Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Himanshu Upadhyay said the Patna-bound Magadh Express was stationed at platform 14, while the New Delhi-Jammu Uttar Sampark Kranti Express was at platform 15 when the tragedy occurred.

"Some people who were coming down from the footover bridge towards platform numbers 14 and 15 using stairs slipped and fell on others," he said, citing the cause of the stampede.

Sources said delays in train departures and the sale of 1,500 general tickets every hour may have created a chaotic situation at the New Delhi Railway station. According to official sources, wrong announcement about change of platforms may also have created a confusion that led to the stampede. 

Railways have announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in the stampede. Those seriously injured will get Rs 2.5 lakh and those with minor injuries 1 lakh, the railway said.

(with inputs from agencies)