A stampede at New Delhi railway station late Saturday left 18 people dead and several others injured as thousands of devotees rushed to board trains for the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj. This is the second such incident in two weeks after a January 30 stampede claimed more than 30 lives.
Officials said overcrowding on platforms 14 and 15 triggered the chaos when two special trains were delayed. As passengers surged forward in panic, some fainted while others suffered serious injuries. Initially, authorities reported 10 women, two men, and four children among the dead. Later updates confirmed the total number of casualties had risen to 18.
The Railways has launched an inquiry into the incident. Additional security personnel have been deployed, and four fire engines were sent to the station to assist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the victims’ families. “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected,” he posted on social media.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the situation was under control. He announced additional special trains to manage the heavy rush of passengers.