A tragic incident unfolded at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, resulting in the death of 18 people, including women and children. The Delhi station stampede was triggered by an overwhelming rush of passengers, primarily Kumbh devotees, eager to board their trains. The unfortunate event has sparked discussions on crowd management and railway infrastructure preparedness.
The Incident: What Happened?
The stampede occurred around 10 PM on platforms 13 and 14 as thousands of passengers struggled to find space on already packed trains. Videos circulating online show people carrying children on their shoulders while others desperately tried to maneuver their luggage through the crowd.
The victims include:
- Nine women
- Five children
- Four men
Many more were injured, and they are currently receiving treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital.
Railway’s Response & Compensation
In response to the tragic event, the Indian Railways announced compensation for the affected families:
- ₹10 lakh for families of deceased victims
- ₹25 lakh for those critically injured
- ₹1 lakh for minor injuries
A high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the cause of the incident and determine any lapses in crowd control measures.
Reasons Behind the Stampede
According to initial reports and officials:
- Overcrowding led to suffocation, causing passengers to faint.
- False rumors of a stampede-like situation spread panic.
- 1,500 general tickets were sold for a single train, increasing congestion.
- Train delays worsened the situation as multiple passengers waited on adjacent platforms.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra confirmed that the overcrowding was due to delays in trains like Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani.
Eyewitness Accounts & Aftermath
Survivors recall a sudden surge in panic, leading to injuries and fatalities. Many personal belongings, including shoes and bags, were left scattered across the platforms. The situation was later brought under control, but the Delhi station stampede has raised serious concerns over railway crowd management.
Political & Public Reactions
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed his condolences and ordered authorities to take immediate action.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted, stating:
“Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Authorities are assisting those affected.”
Outgoing Chief Minister Atishi visited the injured at LNJP Hospital, ensuring proper medical aid. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sorrow and prayed for the injured.
The Need for Better Crowd Management
This unfortunate event highlights the need for:
- Stricter crowd control measures at railway stations
- Better train scheduling to avoid congestion
- Real-time monitoring systems to manage sudden rushes
- Increased deployment of security personnel during major religious events
Conclusion
The Delhi station stampede serves as a wake-up call for authorities to rethink passenger safety measures. While immediate relief efforts are commendable, long-term solutions are necessary to prevent such tragedies in the future. source indiatoday
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