A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening resulted in 15 people being injured, sparking an immediate emergency response. The incident occurred around 9:55 pm on platforms 14 and 15, creating chaos among the large crowds of passengers.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the stampede was triggered after two trains bound for Prayagraj were unexpectedly canceled, leading to confusion and panic on the crowded platform. Emergency services were quickly dispatched, with four fire tenders arriving at the scene to assist in the relief efforts. Authorities confirmed that three women were among the injured and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Atul Garg, the Chief of Delhi Fire Service, stated that rescue teams were promptly deployed, and the situation was brought under control swiftly. The Railway Police and Delhi Police also arrived at the station to manage the crowd and ensure safety. A statement from the Ministry of Railways confirmed that the injured passengers had been transferred to hospitals and the situation was under control.
The stampede occurred amid the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which has resulted in a massive influx of pilgrims across various parts of India. New Delhi Railway Station, a key transit point for those traveling to the Maha Kumbh, has witnessed particularly heavy crowds. As of February 14, over 92 lakh devotees had participated in the holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj, with large numbers of passengers traveling to and from the city. On Saturday, over 2.79 lakh people boarded trains from Prayagraj by early morning, with more than 10 lakh passengers having traveled on 328 trains the previous day.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation at railway stations, ensuring that passengers are safely accommodated amidst the surging crowds. The stampede serves as a reminder of the logistical challenges posed by such large-scale gatherings, and efforts are being made to prevent further incidents as the Maha Kumbh festivities continue.
