Tragic Delhi Stampede at Railway Station

In a heartbreaking incident at New Delhi Railway Station, a stampede occurred on platforms 14 and 15 as passengers rushed to board trains for the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The chaos unfolded late Saturday night, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people and injuries to several others. Witnesses recounted scenes of panic as the massive crowd surged, with people colliding and falling on escalators and stairs.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

Survivors and witnesses described the devastating moments of the stampede, with many managing to escape unhurt while others were less fortunate. Ved Gupta, a passenger, shared his narrow escape and the harrowing sight of the crowd. At Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, Geeta, a worker, spoke of the influx of injured and deceased individuals, including children. Porters at the station highlighted unprecedented crowd levels and the confusion caused by a last-minute platform change for the Prayagraj Special train.

Rescue Efforts and Overcrowding

Rescue efforts were underway immediately, with porters and railway staff assisting in the aftermath. A railway porter detailed the grim task of carrying bodies to ambulances and described the overwhelming number of passengers on multiple platforms. Ravi Kumar, a railway vendor, noted the excessive rush and crowding, making it difficult to control the situation. Despite the efforts of the administration and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, the crowd’s size surpassed all limits.

Investigation and Official Response

Delhi Police has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on CCTV footage and station announcements to determine the cause. DCP Railways KPS Malhotra mentioned that while authorities anticipated a crowd, the situation escalated unexpectedly. Officials suspect that train delays, last-minute platform changes, and overcrowding led to the tragedy. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited the injured and directed senior officials to oversee relief operations.

Broader Implications and Community Impact

The stampede highlights the challenges of managing large crowds in busy transportation hubs and the need for improved safety measures. The incident has deeply affected the community, with families grieving the loss of loved ones and the injured receiving medical care. As the investigation continues, it aims to provide insights into preventing such tragedies in the future and ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers during large-scale events like the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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