A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, with an equal number of individuals sustaining injuries. The incident, which occurred due to overwhelming crowd pressure, has sparked concerns about safety measures at public transport hubs.
Delhi’s caretaker Chief Minister and AAP leader, Atishi, confirmed the tragic toll on Sunday and expressed her condolences to the bereaved families. She visited LNJP Hospital, where the victims had been taken, to extend support.
“Those who lost their lives, their families have been informed. It’s a sad incident. Our two MLAs are here. I have asked hospital management to let our MLAs know if any of the victim’s families need any kind of help. 4-5 patients will be discharged soon… 15 people were brought dead to the LNJP hospital, and the same number of injured are also admitted here… Two of the bodies are yet to be identified,” Atishi stated while speaking to the media outside the hospital.
She further assured that AAP MLAs are present at the scene, coordinating with hospital management to assist victims’ families.
According to Chief Casualty Medical Officer of LNJP Hospital, “15 people, including 3 children, lost their lives; 10 others are injured in the incident that occurred at New Delhi railway station.”
Atishi expressed her grief on social media, posting on X, “The tragic death of devotees going to Maha Kumbh in the accident at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad and heartbreaking. Met the families of the victims at the LNJP hospital. Many people are also injured, whose treatment is going on. Two of our MLAs are present in the hospital to help the victim families…”
Questions on Safety and Accountability
AAP leader Manish Sisodia raised concerns about administrative negligence, stating, “Innocent lives were lost and families were shattered in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. This is not just an accident but a cruel result of administrative negligence. How long will the common people keep paying the price for this?”
AAP leader Aaley Mohammed Iqbal also visited LNJP hospital and said, “I am going inside (Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital) and will talk to the concerned doctors. As the MLA of the area, I will get information from the doctors about the number of casualties.”
What Led to the Stampede?
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the stampede occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani contributed to congestion on platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Reports indicate that around 1,500 general tickets were sold, leading to an overwhelming rush. The situation worsened near platform no. 14 and the escalator at platform no. 1.
Investigation Ordered
In response to the incident, the Ministry of Railways has announced a high-level inquiry. In a statement, the ministry said, “A high-level inquiry has been ordered in the unfortunate incident.”
Authorities have also restricted entry to the railway station temporarily to prevent further crowding. Efforts are underway to assist the affected families and improve crowd management measures at railway stations.