15-killed-in-new-delhi-station-stampede-probe-ordered

A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday left at least 15 people dead and several others injured as a sudden rush of passengers attempted to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

 

The Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, calling it an "unfortunate" tragedy. The injured were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain (LNJP) Hospital for treatment.

 

According to the deputy commissioner of police (railway), the chaos erupted on platform 14, where a large number of passengers had gathered as the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Compounding the situation, delays in the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express had led to additional crowds on platforms 12, 13, and 14.

 

Eyewitnesses reported that the overcrowding caused several passengers to faint due to suffocation.

 

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his grief over the tragedy, stating, "Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones."

 

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited the railway station and confirmed that the situation was now under control. He assured that those injured were receiving treatment and that train operations had returned to normal. "Delhi Police are at the railway station, and the movement of trains is now proceeding as usual," he said.

 

In response to the incident, the Railway Board has formed a two-member high-level committee to conduct an investigation.

 

Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity (ED/IP) at the Railway Board, said the committee would examine the circumstances that led to the stampede and recommend necessary measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.

 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also addressed the situation, stating that he had spoken with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, and Delhi Police officials regarding the incident.

 

He directed authorities to extend all possible assistance to those affected.

 

"I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The injured are being provided with the best possible treatment. I wish them a speedy recovery," Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on X.