Horrific videos emerged showing a large crowd of passengers desperately trying to board an already-crowded train at New Delhi Railway Station, leading to a stampede-like situation that resulted in the death of 15 people, including three children, on Saturday evening.
The stampede occurred on platforms 14 and 15, triggered by the cancellation of two trains to Prayagraj, causing chaos and overcrowding. The Chief Casualty Medical Officer at LNJP Hospital confirmed the fatalities and reported 10 others injured. Authorities swiftly responded with rescue teams and fire tenders to assist the situation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the situation was under control, with the injured receiving medical attention and special trains arranged to evacuate passengers.
What happened?
Around 10 pm, passengers were waiting for their respective trains, including the Prayagraj Express heading to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh was being held. The train was stationed at platform 14, and a sudden surge of passengers created chaos on the platform.
Footage from the scene showed a large crowd waiting on the platforms, with many passengers trying to force their way into the already-crowded train. The video also captured small children sitting on their parents’ laps as they attempted to board.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the overcrowding occurred as Prayagraj Express was stationed at platform 14, while two other trains — Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani — were delayed. This caused passengers to wait on platforms 12, 13, and 14, intensifying the overcrowding.
“As per the information, 1500 general tickets were sold – that’s why the crowd became uncontrollable. There was a stampede-like situation at platform no. 14 and near the escalator,” he said.
“Due to the large number of passengers, some reported experiencing breathlessness,” officials said.