The New Delhi Railway Station tragedy on Saturday evening resulted in the deaths of 18 individuals, including 14 women and 3 children. The stampede, coming on the heels of the Maha Kumbh Triveni Sangam disaster, suggests continuing worries about public safety during crowded events and at railway stations. The quick buildup of crowds at the station sparked concerns about whether the administration was ready to manage such huge crowds in the face of constant criticism.
Photos from the site indicated that random items, like shoes, slippers, attire, and drinking water, lay scattered behind when rescuers went about their tasks. Personnel were deployed rapidly to clear the environment.
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The relatives of the dead were frustrated. Pintu Sharma, who lost Pinky Devi in the accident, was critical about the station authorities: “They had valid tickets. There were about 14 to 15 people traveling to Maha Kumbh. When they arrived at the station, a stampede occurred. The line of the train was shifted which led to the stampede. The force also arrived late… It occurred due to the negligence of the station authority.”
Balram, one of the porters, said the scene was chaotic, and he explained: “We moved dead bodies in handcarts, the same kind we use to carry luggage. I have not seen such a huge crowd as a porter for 15 years. People’s shoes, slippers, and other items were lying all around. We brought out many kids and old people from the debris.”
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Stampede was caused by a huge rush of travelers on platforms 14 and 15, all in a hurry to catch Prayagraj-bound trains for the Maha Kumbh. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi attributed the accident to the Railways and the government’s insensitivity and said, “This incident is once again reflective of the Railways’ failure and the sensitivity of the government. More care should have been taken at the station considering the huge number of devotees visiting Prayagraj.”
As a response, the Railways has offered compensation to the families of the victims: Rs 10 lakh for the dead, Rs 2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for the lightly injured.
