18 Killed in Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station: Eyewitnesses Recall the Horror

New Delhi: A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night claimed the lives of 18 people and left many others injured. Among the deceased were nine women, four men, and five children, with most victims hailing from Bihar, while nine were from Delhi and one from Haryana. The incident occurred around 10 PM on platforms 13 and 14, as thousands of devotees gathered at the station to travel to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Chaos erupted following the announcement of a new train, leading to a deadly rush. Preliminary investigations indicate that the increasing pressure of the crowd, combined with train delays, contributed to the tragic event. The injured were rushed to LNJP and Lady Hardinge hospitals by railway and Delhi police.

What Led to the Stampede?

The question on everyone’s mind is: What caused the deadly stampede? An initial investigation suggests that the incident was triggered by the announcement of a special train. Reports reveal that the number of passengers at the station was steadily increasing, with ticket sales reaching 1,500 per hour. Many were devotees heading to the Maha Kumbh, eagerly waiting for their trains to Prayagraj.

At the time, two special trains to Prayagraj were already delayed, leading to frustration among passengers. To address the growing crowd, railway authorities decided to introduce another special train, announcing its departure from platform 16. However, this sudden announcement caused panic among those waiting on other platforms, who immediately rushed toward platform 16 in an attempt to secure a seat. The situation spiraled out of control as passengers surged forward, pushing and shoving each other.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that many of the devotees were seated on platform 14, waiting for a train to Prayagraj, while another train to Bihar was scheduled to depart from adjacent platform 13. The unexpected announcement triggered a mad scramble, and as people rushed toward platform 16, they got caught in the crush of the crowd.

Eyewitnesses Describe the Chaos

A porter at the railway station, who has been working there since 1981, recalled the horrifying scene. “I have never seen such a crowd before. Initially, the Prayagraj Special was set to depart from platform 12, but it was later shifted to platform 16. When passengers waiting on platform 12 and those outside tried to reach platform 16, chaos broke out. People collided, fell on escalators and stairs, and were crushed in the stampede,” he said.

He added that several porters rushed to control the crowd but could do little to stop the mayhem. “We saw at least 15 bodies and helped load them into ambulances. Shoes and clothes were scattered all over the platform. We immediately called the police and fire department. Within minutes, 3-4 ambulances arrived to transport the injured to hospitals,” he recounted.

Another eyewitness, a passenger waiting for a train to Bihar, described the terrifying moment. “I was standing on platform 13 when suddenly people started running. Within seconds, the entire area was packed, and people were screaming for help. Many fell on the ground and were trampled. It was heartbreaking to see children and elderly people getting caught in the chaos.”

Political Reactions and Condolences

The tragic incident has sparked strong reactions from political leaders. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow, calling the event “extremely distressing.” In a Twitter post, he wrote, “The news of many deaths and injuries due to the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. This incident highlights the failure of the railways and the government’s insensitivity. Given the massive crowd heading to Prayagraj, better arrangements should have been in place.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also expressed grief, stating, “The news of the tragic deaths of many people, including women and children, due to the crowd surge at New Delhi Railway Station is deeply saddening. May the departed souls rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I hope the injured recover soon.”

Compensation Announced

In response to the tragedy, railway authorities have announced compensation for the victims and their families. The families of the deceased will receive ₹10 lakh each, while those with serious injuries will be given ₹2.5 lakh. Passengers with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh.

Concerns Over Crowd Management

The tragic event has raised concerns over railway crowd management during large-scale religious gatherings. Experts argue that the incident could have been prevented if better planning and crowd control measures had been in place. “Announcing a new train without proper crowd control mechanisms led to this disaster,” said a railway official.

In the wake of the tragedy, authorities have tightened security at major railway stations and are reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. A high-level investigation has been ordered, and officials have been directed to submit a detailed report on the lapses that led to the stampede.

As the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures at railway stations, especially during large gatherings like the Maha Kumbh.