New Delhi: At least 18 people have tragically lost their lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. The incident occurred late on Saturday night, as thousands of passengers rushed to board trains to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh Mela.
The stampede started around 8:00 pm on platforms 14 and 15 at the station, with large crowds waiting to travel to the holy city of Prayagraj. This sudden surge of passengers led to panic and chaos, resulting in the deadly stampede.
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In response to the incident, extra security personnel were deployed to manage the situation at the station. Fire engines were also dispatched to assist in controlling the aftermath. Despite these efforts, the station's conditions remained tense for some time.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provides update
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw took to social media to assure the public that the situation was under control. He posted on X, stating: "Situation under control at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). Delhi Police and RPF (Railway Police Force) reached. Injured taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush."
The Minister also shared a follow-up post: "High-level inquiry ordered."
Delhi's Lt Governor, V K Saxena, expressed his sorrow over the tragic incident. He wrote: "There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder and stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy. Have spoken to Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation."
He added: "CS has been asked to invoke DDMA (Disaster Management) measures and deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness. Have instructed CS and CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures. I am constantly monitoring operations."
In a post on X, Northern Railway confirmed that the situation at New Delhi Station was now under control, with the Delhi Police and Railway Police Force on-site. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals, and special trains were arranged to help manage the heavy rush.
Massive crowd due to Mahakumbh trains
A police official shared details of the incident, stating: "When the Prayagraj Express was on platform number 14, many people were present there. The Swatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani (both of which pass through Prayagraj) were delayed and passengers of these trains were also present on platforms 12, 13 and 14."
The surge in passengers is linked to the Mahakumbh festival, which is nearing its conclusion on February 26. The special trains arranged for the festival have been carrying large crowds, contributing to the chaos.
This tragic event follows a similar incident earlier this week in Bihar, where passengers at a railway station broke glass windows after failing to board their train. Reports of such disturbances have also emerged from other stations in Bihar.
Agency
Published: 16 Feb 2025, 06:29 am IST
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