New Delhi: A high-level investigation has been launched into a tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station that claimed at least 18 lives. The incident unfolded after the cancellation of two trains bound for Prayagraj, triggering chaos among passengers.
According to railway officials, a massive crowd had gathered at platform number 14, where the Prayagraj Express was scheduled to depart. The passengers were primarily headed to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The situation worsened as two other trains—Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani—faced delays, which led to further congestion.
‘Crowd went out of control’
KPS Malhotra, DCP (Railways), said that an overwhelming number of passengers were present at platforms 12, 13, and 14. “When the Prayagraj Express was at platform 14, passengers from the delayed trains also occupied the area. The crowd went out of control, resulting in two stampedes—one at platform 14 and another near the escalator at platform 16,” he said.
Officials said that railway authorities had blocked one staircase each at platforms 14 and 15 in an attempt to manage the swelling crowd. However, as train delays continued, passengers began piling onto the staircases, which led to intense pushing and shoving.
Crowd surge caused chaos
“People struggled to move either towards the train or the stairs, which led to many falling and triggering the stampede. Several passengers also suffered from suffocation as the crowd density increased,” said an official, requesting anonymity. In response to the tragedy, the railway ministry has initiated a high-level probe to determine the causes and prevent such incidents in the future.
Politicians condole tragedy
Many political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi’s acting Chief Minister Atishi, have expressed sorrow over the tragic incident. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has initiated an inquiry and arranged four special trains to ease congestion at the station.
