Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives Amid Maha Kumbh Rush
New Delhi, February 15, 2025 — A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including a 7-year-old child, and left more than a dozen injured. The tragedy unfolded around 8:00 PM local time as thousands of passengers gathered to board trains bound for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj.
Incident Details
The chaos reportedly began following an announcement about a change in train platforms, leading to confusion among the crowd. As passengers attempted to navigate the congested footbridge between platforms, several individuals slipped and fell, triggering a deadly stampede. Eyewitnesses described the scene as “sad and heartbreaking,” with many victims being Hindu pilgrims en route to the religious festival.
Immediate Response
Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, with the injured being transported to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities have since confirmed that the situation is under control. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed deep sorrow over the incident and has ordered a high-level inquiry to determine its cause.
Official Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his distress over the tragedy, offering condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. He stated, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.”
Context
This incident comes just weeks after a similar tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in January, where at least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede. The recurring nature of such events underscores the urgent need for improved crowd management and safety measures during large-scale religious gatherings.
Investigation Underway
Delhi Police have launched an investigation to ascertain the exact sequence of events that led to the stampede. This includes reviewing CCTV footage and analyzing the announcements made at the time. The findings are expected to inform future protocols to prevent such tragedies.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives, questions are being raised about the adequacy of safety measures at major transit hubs, especially during events that draw massive crowds. Authorities are being urged to implement stringent crowd control strategies to ensure the safety of pilgrims and travelers in the future.
