A stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday (February 15) night, resulting in 15 fatalities and 10 injuries, as reported by ANI, citing the chief casualty medical officer at LJNP Hospital. Among the deceased, two were children. The tragic incident took place on platforms 14 and 15, triggered by the cancellation of two trains to Prayagraj, leading to chaos on the platform.
According to sources, four women were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The stampede unfolded around 9:55 pm, prompting an immediate emergency response. Authorities quickly dispatched rescue teams, and four fire tenders were deployed to the scene to assist with the relief efforts, as confirmed by DFS Chief Atul Garg.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, told ANI that the stampede-like situation was caused by an influx of passengers from delayed trains.
“When Prayagraj Express was standing at platform no. 14, lots of public were present at the platform. Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present at platform no. 12,13 and 14. As per the information, 1500 general tickets were sold – that’s why the crowd became uncontrollable,” Malhotra said.
Ashwini Vaishnaw says ‘situation under control’, offers condolences
The Ministry of Railways issued a statement confirming that both Railway Police and Delhi Police had arrived at the station, and the situation was now under control. The injured were immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also took to X, stating, “Situation under control at New Delhi railway station (NDLS) Delhi Police and RPF reached. Injured taken to hospital.” He added that four special trains were being deployed to evacuate passengers due to the unexpected rush, with more trains likely to be arranged soon.
“Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident,” Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a tweet.
PM Modi offers condolences, prays for speedy recovery
PM Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, tweeting, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede”
What was the reason behind stampede?
This incident coincides with the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which has led to a massive influx of pilgrims across India. An eyewitness informed that there was no one managing the crowd at the station. “There was no one to control the crowd…It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 will come on platform number 16. So the crowd came from both sides and a stampede occurred…some people were taken to the hospital…,” said an eyewitness.
As of 2 pm on Saturday, over 92.10 lakh devotees had taken a dip in the Sangam, according to data from the Uttar Pradesh government. The Mahakumbh continues to attract large crowds, with over 2.79 lakh passengers having boarded trains from Prayagraj railway station by 6 am on Saturday, according to Indian Railways.
Political leaders expres grief over tragic stampede
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena described the incident at New Delhi railway station as “unfortunate and tragic,” resulting in “loss of lives and injuries” due to “disorder and a stampede”.
Delhi’s caretaker CM & AAP leader Atishi said, “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.”
Nitin Gadkari expressed shock over the incident at New Delhi Railway Station, stating he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede. He extended his condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.