At least 15 died and numerous others were injured when a stampede broke out at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday evening. The unfortunate accident happened at about 10 PM on platforms 13 and 14 when thousands of Maha Kumbh pilgrims congregated to catch trains, resulting in panic and acute overcrowding.
15 people, including 3 children, lost their lives; 10 others were injured in the incident that occurred at New Delhi railway station: Chief Casualty Medical Officer, LNJP hospital. pic.twitter.com/OSpUUZ1EJb
— Amit Bhardwaj (@AmmyBhardwaj) February 15, 2025
Severe Suffocation and Critical Injuries Reported
Early reports suggest that there was extreme overcrowding, which resulted in suffocation, rendering four female passengers unconscious. Theirs is a critical condition, and they were taken to a hospital for immediate medical attention. Officials confirmed Delhi Fire Services acted quickly by sending four fire tenders, while several ambulances were sent to help victims at the site.
Authorities Deny Stampede, Attribute Overcrowding to Train Delays
Even though initial reports speculated on a stampede, the authorities later indicated that the mayhem was due to overcrowding as thousands of pilgrims lined up for trains.
“When Prayagraj Express was standing at platform no. 14, lots of public were present at the platform. Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present at platform no. 12,13 and 14. 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 near platform no. 1,” Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway KPS Malhotra informed ANI.
Delhi LG Directs Action on an Emergency Basis, Hospitals Put on High Alert
Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena was in deep grief about the tragedy and promised prompt action.
“There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder & stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy. Have spoken to Chief Secretary & Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation,” Saxena wrote on X.
There has been an unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station.
Have spoken to Chief Secretary & Police Commissioner and asked them to address the situation.CS has been asked to deploy relief personnel.
Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of…
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) February 15, 2025
He further stated that the Chief Secretary had been directed to call in DDMA regulations and deploy relief staff. All hospitals in the city have been put on high alert to handle the crisis.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos, Videos Show Panic Among Passengers
Several videos from the railway station depict a huge throng of people dashing across platforms, with some holding children on their shoulders while others are fighting with suitcases. Eyewitnesses described how chaos erupted immediately, resulting in injuries and deaths.
The precise reason behind the chaos is not yet known, but officials report that the two special trains running for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj caused the huge jam. Authorities are still keeping a close watch on the situation.
