A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of at least 18 individuals, including five children, and left over a dozen injured. The incident occurred around 8:00 PM local time on platforms 14 and 15, as thousands of passengers gathered to board trains bound for Prayagraj, the site of the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival.
Details of the Incident
The stampede was reportedly triggered by confusion among passengers following an announcement about a change in train platforms. This led to a chaotic situation, with many slipping and falling while descending from a footbridge. Authorities have described the incident as “sad and heartbreaking,” and the injured were promptly transported to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital for medical attention.
Official Responses and Investigations
In response to the tragedy, the Ministry of Railways has formed a two-member high-level committee to investigate the cause of the stampede. The committee comprises Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager of Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Safety Commissioner of Northern Railway. They have secured all video footage from the station to assist in their inquiry.
Delhi Police have also launched an investigation, focusing on analyzing CCTV footage and announcements made during the incident to determine the exact cause of the stampede. Initial reports suggest that a miscommunication regarding platform changes may have contributed to the confusion.
Compensation and Support
The Indian Railways has announced compensation for the victims: Rs.10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs.2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and Rs.1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Political Reactions
Opposition parties have criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his distress over the incident, highlighting the failure of the Railways and the government’s insensitivity. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the government’s attempt to conceal the truth about the deaths, while AAP MP Sanjay Singh questioned the government’s tendency to downplay such incidents.
Ongoing Challenges
This incident follows a similar tragedy at the Maha Kumbh Mela festival earlier in January, where at least 30 people lost their lives in a stampede. The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns about crowd management and safety protocols during large gatherings.
Authorities are under pressure to implement stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies. The ongoing investigations aim to determine the exact causes of the stampede and to identify any lapses in safety protocols. The findings are expected to inform future crowd management strategies to ensure the safety of passengers during major events and festivals.
