Train delays and the selling of around 1,500 extra public tickets have made the already packed situation at New Delhi Railway Station even more intolerable.
Tragedy Strikes New Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Claims at least 18 dead
New Delhi, A terrible stampede that started at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening claimed the lives of at least eighteen people, including eleven women and four children. Two delayed trains and the arrival of a special express train to Maha Kumbh set off an explosion of activity on the platform that resulted in the catastrophe among the passengers. In addition to the fatalities, over a dozen individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care at nearby hospitals.
The incident happened at about 9:55 p.m., and officials responded immediately in an emergency.
The Ministry of Railways establishes a high-level committee and investigates an "unfortunate" incident.
The Ministry of Railways has initiated an investigation into the recent “unfortunate” occurrence. The ministry responded to the incident by establishing a two-member high-level committee charged with an exhaustive inquiry of the subject. Finding the reason and evaluating the events surrounding the incident are the main objectives of the committee.
Who Started the Stampede?
Authorities have identified a number of elements that led to the sad stampede, with delays in train departures mostly blamed. Furthermore, the selling of about 1,500 general tickets exacerbated the already crowded scene. Officials said these problems taken together produced a perilous scenario.
Platforms 13 and 14 at the New Delhi Railway Station were reportedly already crowded with people waiting for two trains—the Swatantrata Senani and the Bhubaneswar Rajdhani—that were delayed. Amidst this throng, a unique train—the Prayagraj Express—set to head for the Maha Kumbh—was supposed to leave platform 14 at 10:10 pm.
The Prayagraj train’s departure time drew additional people to join the busy scene on the platform. Officials say that travelers heading to the Maha Kumbh bought more than a thousand general tickets.
There was also a widespread rumor suggesting the Prayagraj Express would be arriving on another platform.
A violent stampede resulted from the passengers starting to shove one another and running toward the stairs.
Similar events have now increased in line with the special trains being planned for the Maha Kumbh, an amazing celebration held once every twelve years. Just earlier this week, some passengers at the Madhubani railway station in Bihar, unable to board the Swatantrata Senani Express (which runs to Delhi via Prayagraj), turned to destroying the train’s glass windows in frustration.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi Express Condolences Over Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station
Learning of the sad disaster at New Delhi Railway Station, President Droupadi Murmu has shown profound grief. She said in her statement, “The death toll in this tragic event truly saddens me. My sincere sympathies go to the bereaved families; I also hope for a quick healing of the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow about the episode on X as well. He penned, “The rush at New Delhi Railway Station greatly disturbs me. My prayers and thoughts are with the families bereaved of dear ones. I hope for quick healing for the wounded. The relevant authorities are giving people impacted by this tragedy all required help.
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena, called the event “unfortunate” and “tragic.” He said, “I really sympathize with the families of the victims. I have already discussed with the police commissioner and chief secretary to guarantee a quick and efficient resolution of the problem.