By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
At least 18 individuals perished, including 14 women and three children, while over a dozen sustained injuries in a stampede that took place on Saturday evening at the New Delhi Railway station.
The incident took place following a significant surge in passengers heading to Maha Kumbh and those waiting for the trains that had been delayed.
A two-member high-level panel has been formed to investigate the matter and determine the cause of the stampede, executive director of information & publicity at the Railway Board, Dilip Kumar said.
This comes after the recent stampede at Maha Kumbh due to an unexpected surge in devotees on Mauni Amavasya that led to the deaths of 30.
The authorities have stated that the “unprecedented” rush of passengers at two platforms—13 and 14—led to confusion and panic, ultimately triggering the stampede.
In an official statement, the deputy commissioner of police (railway) reported that platform number 14 was already heavily packed as the Prayagraj Express awaited departure. Additionally, delays in the Swatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express led to an increased passenger presence on platforms 12, 13, and 14, further worsening the congestion.
“As per CMI, every hour 1,500 general tickets were sold by railways, causing the station to become overcrowded and uncontrollable. There was a stampede at platform no. 14 and near the escalator by platform no. 16,” the DCP stated.
DCP KPS Malhotra explained that the crowd swelled within 15-20 minutes after the announcement of a special train, as passengers rushed to board. “Two trains were delayed, and due to the increased footfall, the crowd expanded significantly. Some individuals sustained injuries. As of now, the situation is under control,” he said.
An eyewitness recalled a similar scenario and mentioned, “The stampede broke out around 9:30 pm… When people on platform number 13 saw trains on platforms 14 and 15, they moved toward these platforms. The platforms of the trains were not altered, but the crowd was so massive that it could not be controlled….”
One of the passengers, Dharmendra Singh, shared his experience, explaining that he was traveling to Prayagraj but faced challenges as many trains were either delayed or canceled. “I was going to Prayagraj, but many trains were running late or were canceled. The station was overcrowded. There were far more people than I have ever seen at this station. In front of me, six or seven women were carried away on stretchers.”
Similarly, the railway ministry stated, “An unprecedented rush situation occurred today around 10 pm at New Delhi railway station near platforms 13 & 14. Some passengers present on the platforms fainted due to this sudden rush, leading to rumors of a stampede-like situation. This caused panic to spread.”
The railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
