New Delhi, February 16 . A stampede broke out on platforms number 13 and 14 of New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night when rumors of cancellation of two trains going to Prayagraj allegedly spread among the passengers. At least 15 people have been confirmed dead in the stampede and many others are reported to be injured. The Railways immediately arranged four special trains to reduce the pressure of the crowd on the platform. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said that the situation is under control. The Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
The Chief Emergency Medical Officer of LNJP Hospital has confirmed the death of 15 people. These include 10 women and three children. Some of the injured have also been taken to Lady Hardinge Medical College.
Ashwini Vaishnav said that Delhi Police and Railway Protection Force have reached the spot and the injured have been sent to the hospital. He said that special trains have been started to clear the sudden rush.
Vaishnav wrote on ‘X’, “The situation at New Delhi Railway Station is under control. Special trains are being run to clear the sudden rush.”
Railways said that the incident happened around 9.30 pm. Railways said that there was a huge crowd on both the platforms, due to which some people fainted. After this, a stampede-like situation arose.
After the stampede, the injured were taken to the hospital with the help of an ambulance. Ambulance driver Samar Yadav told news agency IANS, “Three injured have been taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The condition of the injured was critical, which included a young woman, a young man and an elderly person. The injured have been admitted to Lady Harding Hospital.”
A passenger Amarinder Kumar said, “The number of devotees going to Maha Kumbh is very high. They crowded the New Delhi Railway Station. The administration made a lot of efforts to handle the huge crowd, after which the crowd dispersed.”
Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar, along with RPF Director General and concerned officials, reached New Delhi Railway Station to assess the situation. Railways have ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
According to the Railways, the situation is now completely under control and the crowd has reduced. Railway Police and Delhi Police are present at the spot and the injured have been sent to the hospital for immediate treatment. Railways have arranged four special trains to handle this unexpected crowd, so that the process of safely transporting the passengers to their destination is going on.
It is worth mentioning that a large number of people are reaching the Maha Kumbh which started in Prayagraj from January 13. Railways has also started operating many special trains, but in view of the crowd, that too is proving to be insufficient.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed grief over the deaths in the incident. He wrote in a post on Twitter, “Sad news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am deeply saddened by the deaths due to stampede on the railway platform. My condolences are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has expressed condolences to the families of the victims in the accident on Twitter. In a post, he wrote, “An unfortunate and sad incident has occurred at New Delhi Railway Station due to chaos and stampede, resulting in loss of life and property and injuries. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
The Lieutenant Governor said that he has spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner and asked them to resolve the situation. The Chief Secretary has been asked to implement DDMA measures and deploy relief workers. All hospitals are ready to deal with related emergencies.
He wrote, “I have directed the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to remain at the spot and control the relief measures. I am constantly monitoring the operation.”
