Accident at New Delhi Railway Station
Eighteen people, including 10 women and three children, were killed in a horrific stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night. The incident occurred when a huge crowd of passengers had gathered waiting for special trains to leave for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. Within 15 to 20 minutes, the situation went out of control, leading to widespread panic and people getting injured.
what happened
The surge of passengers at the New Delhi Railway Station was triggered by the announcement of special trains to accommodate travelers heading to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Eyewitness accounts and official reports indicate that the situation rapidly deteriorated as the station became severely overcrowded. Some passengers fainted amidst the crush, sparking rumors of a stampede and intensifying the overall sense of panic.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) KPS Malhotra, the stampede occurred around 10 p.m. Medical authorities confirmed that the victims primarily died due to suffocation. Dr. Ritu Saxena, the deputy medical superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi, explained that the casualties showed no open injuries, suggesting that hypoxia or blunt force trauma were the likely causes of death. Autopsies were planned to provide further clarification.
In the aftermath, 11 individuals sustained injuries, with most reported to be in stable condition and receiving treatment for orthopedic injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts of the Disaster
Survivors of the deadly stampede recounted scenes of panic, overcrowding, and desperate attempts to escape the chaos. Many were en route to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh when the situation escalated beyond control.
One victim shared the tragic loss of his mother in the stampede, stating that they were traveling in a group to their home in Chhapra, Bihar, when the chaos ensued. He recounted how people were pushing each other in a desperate attempt to move.
Another passenger, Dharmendra Singh, described the unprecedented overcrowding at the station, exacerbated by train delays and cancellations. He witnessed several women being carried away on stretchers.
Pramod Chaurasia, another passenger, recounted how even those with confirmed tickets struggled to board trains due to the overwhelming crowds. He and his family managed to stay safe by waiting outside, away from the pushing and jostling.
Factors Contributing to the Tragedy
Several factors contributed to the tragic stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station.
Overcrowding: The primary cause was the overwhelming number of passengers attempting to board trains for the Maha Kumbh.
Train Delays: Delays in the Swatantrata Senani and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani trains led to congestion on the platforms.
Rumors: False information about platform changes further fueled panic and chaotic movement.
Ticket Sales: The continuous sale of general tickets, with approximately 1,500 sold per hour, added to the uncontrolled growth of the crowd.
Staircase Blockage: Authorities blocked staircases on platforms 14 and 15 in an attempt to manage the crowd, but this ultimately led to a deadly crush as people piled up and were trampled.
Government Response and Condolences
Following the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families via social media. He stated his distress over the stampede and offered prayers for the injured, assuring that authorities were providing assistance to those affected.
The Ministry of Railways announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those with grievous injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reported that four special trains were arranged to help manage the high volume of travelers at the station. He also announced the initiation of an inquiry to determine the causes of the incident.
Inquiry and Preventive Measures
The Ministry of Railways has launched a high-level inquiry, tasking a two-member panel with investigating the incident. Authorities, including the Delhi Police, are conducting investigations, and the Ministry of Railways has pledged to implement stricter crowd control measures for future Maha Kumbh train services.
Past Tragedies
This recent tragedy follows a similar incident last month, where at least 30 people died in a stampede during the six-week Maha Kumbh festival. The festival attracts tens of millions of Hindus who gather to bathe in the holy waters of sacred rivers.
Conclusion
The stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station is a stark reminder of the dangers of overcrowding and the need for effective crowd management strategies. As investigations continue and authorities implement stricter measures, the focus remains on supporting the victims and preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.
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