New Delhi:
At least 18 people, including 11 women and four children, died, after a large crowd of passengers due to two delayed trains and a special express train for Maha Kumbh created a stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday night. More than a dozen people have also been injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment in nearby hospitals.
The incident occurred around 9.55 pm, causing an emergency reaction to the authorities.
The Railway Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the “unfortunate” incident and has formed a two-member high-level committee to investigate the matter.
What caused by stampede?
Officials said the delay in train departure and the sale of about 1,500 general tickets increased the situation and contributed to the huge crowd.
According to the police, platform number 13 and 14 were already crowded at New Delhi railway station as many people were waiting for two trains to ride – Swattantanani and Bhubaneswar Razine – which were delayed. In the meantime, The Pragraj Express was a special train for Maha Kumbh, platform number 14 to 10:10 from 10:10.
As time for prayer for the train, more and more people started gathering on the stage, connecting the existing crowd. Officials said that during this time, more than a thousand general tickets were purchased by the passengers to go to Maha Kumbh.
Additionally, a rumor spread among the people that The Pragraj Express was scheduled to reach a separate platform.
Due to this, the passengers pushed each other and ran towards the stairs, causing stampede.
A wave of similar incidents has been taking place recently because special trains have been arranged for Maha Kumbh – a grand festival held only once every 12 years. Earlier this week, some passengers of Madhubani railway station in Bihar broke the glass windows of the Swatnatra Fighter Express – which goes to Delhi via Riyagraj – when they were unable to board the train.
Also read “Nobody was listening”: Air Force officers at New Delhi Station Stamped
Chairman, PM Modi Express Sorrow
President Draupadi Murmu said that he felt very bad to know about the loss of life in the stampede at New Delhi railway station. “I expand my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for rapid recovery of those injured,” he said.
Condemning the loss of life, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X, “Stamped at the New Delhi railway station. I have all the people who have lost their loved ones. Which are affected by this stampede.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena called the incident “unfortunate” and “tragic” and expressed grief over the loss of life. He said, “I have deep condolences to the families of the victims of this tragedy. Talked to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police and asked them to address and redress the situation,” he said.
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