Tragic Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station: 18 Lives Lost in Mahakumbh Rush

At least 18 people lost their lives in a devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday. Among them were 11 women and four children.

The incident began with a sudden surge of passengers. They were eager to board trains bound for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. This rush of people overwhelmed the station platforms. The Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the unfortunate incident.

According to officials, platform 14 was particularly crowded when the Prayagraj Express arrived. Passengers from the delayed Swantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express were waiting on platforms 12, 13, and 14. They further contributed to the chaotic scene. Witnesses reported that the massive rush led to several people fainting due to suffocation, intensifying the crisis.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from national leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep distress over the tragedy. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased. He prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He noted that authorities were working to help all affected by the stampede.

The scene was described as unprecedented by one eyewitness. “The crowd was beyond the limit. People were gathered at the foot overbridge. Such a huge crowd wasn’t expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during the festivals.”

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to examine the factors that led to the overcrowding. They will also decide measures to prevent such incidents in the future. This is especially important during peak travel periods like the Maha Kumbh.