New Delhi, India – A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, with numerous others sustaining injuries late Saturday night. The chaos ensued when a large crowd gathered following the announcement of a special train, leading to confusion and panic within a short span of time.
The incident was fueled by an overwhelming influx of passengers arriving at the station to board special trains bound for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The sudden surge in the crowd led to some passengers fainting, triggering rumors of a stampede and escalating panic among those present.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, extending his sympathies to the families of the deceased and wishing a swift recovery to the injured. He assured that authorities are working to provide assistance to all those affected by the stampede.
In response to the situation, the Delhi Fire Service dispatched four fire tenders to the scene, while the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Delhi Police swiftly transported injured and unconscious passengers to nearby medical facilities.
DCP Railway, KPS Malhotra, has confirmed that the situation is now under control, attributing the crowd surge to the delay of two trains and an unexpected influx of passengers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promptly organized four special trains to alleviate the sudden rush at New Delhi Railway Station, with more on standby as needed.
The Railway Minister has also initiated a thorough investigation into the incident to determine its cause and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The focus now remains on providing support to the victims and their families, while efforts are made to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers at the station.