Delhi Railway Station Stampede: 15 Dead in Rush of Maha Kumbh Pilgrims

New Delhi: At least 15 people died and many others were injured in a stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday night due to a massive rush of Maha Kumbh pilgrims. The incident happened when two trains arrived late, leading to an excessive crowd at the station.

How did the stampede happen?

• 🕗 The incident took place around 8 pm on platform number 14 and 15, where thousands of passengers waiting for trains to Prayagraj were already present.

• 🚆 With the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express getting delayed, passengers got desperate to board other trains.

• 😨 The crowd suddenly swelled when the train arrived at the platform, and as people realised they would not be able to board the train, chaos ensued.

15 dead, many injured

• 🏥 The Chief Medical Officer of LNJP Hospital has confirmed that 15 people have died in the accident.
• 🚑 Several injured have been admitted to the hospital, some of whom are said to be in critical condition.

Response of railways and administration

• 🚔 Delhi Police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were rushed to the spot to control the situation.
• 🚒 Four fire tenders were also engaged in rescue operations.
• 🗣️ Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the situation is now under control and special trains are being run for the affected passengers.

"The situation at New Delhi Railway Station is under control. The injured have been sent to the hospital and special trains are being run to provide relief to the passengers."

— Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

LG V.K. Saxena orders inquiry

• 🛑 Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena ordered a probe into the incident and said the Disaster Management (DDMA) has been activated.

• 🏥 All hospitals have been put on alert to deal with any emergency.

• 🔍 The LG said he is personally monitoring the situation.

Videos of the incident and people's reaction

• 📹 Videos shared on social media show a huge crowd.

• ⚠️ Some passengers were shown lying unconscious while others were trying to revive them.

🚆 A police officer said:

"When the Prayagraj Express arrived at platform number 14, there were already many passengers present there. As soon as the train arrived, there was panic and a stampede."

Crowd increased due to Maha Kumbh

🕉️ The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 12 years, and is scheduled to end on February 26 this year.

🚉 Due to this, there is a huge crowd in the trains going to Prayagraj.

🔍 Similar crowd was seen at Madhubani railway station in Bihar, where passengers were trying to enter the train by breaking the glass of the windows.

Political controversy also heated up

⚡ Former Chief Minister Atishi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attacked the central government.

🗣️ Akhilesh Yadav demanded the government to extend the duration of Mahakumbh, so that more devotees can go to Prayagraj and take a dip in Sangam.

👉 He said:

"Even now lakhs of people want to go to Mahakumbh, but are unable to go due to the crowd of trains. The government should extend the time limit of Mahakumbh."

What next?

❌ Railways has ordered an inquiry and additional arrangements are being considered to prevent such incidents in future.

🛤️ Additional coaches may be added to trains going to Prayagraj in the next few days.

🚦 The number of security forces will be increased at Delhi Railway Station.

Conclusion

• 👉 With 15 people dead and many injured, this accident raises questions on the preparedness of the railways due to the increasing crowd of Maha Kumbh.
• 👉 Now it remains to be seen what concrete steps the railways and the government take to handle this situation.
• 👉 Additional trains and better crowd management have become extremely important for the safety and convenience of the devotees.

🔴 Deep condolences are being expressed across the country over this incident, and it is hoped that the administration will learn from this and make better arrangements.

source: "https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/4-pass-out-due-to-suffocation-after-huge-kumbh-rush-at-delhi-railway-station-7719417"