New Delhi Railway station stampede: 15 people killed, Railways orders high level inquiry; PM Modi says ‘distressed’

New Delhi Railway station stampede: At least 15 people were killed, and several others were injured in a stampede at New Delhi Railway station on Saturday night.

The incident took place around 10pm as a large number of passengers gathered due to train services for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, triggering a chaos on platform numbers 14 and 15.

“15 people, including 3 children, lost their lives. 10 others were injured in the incident that occurred at New Delhi railway station,” said Chief Casualty Medical Officer, LNJP hospital.

Several videos on social media platforms showed huge crowd at the station. Eyewitnesses said that there was no one to control the crowd at the station.

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What Railways said

— An unprecedented rush situation developed today (Saturday) at about 10 pm in New Delhi railway station near platform no 13 and 14.

— Some of the passengers present there on the platforms fainted due to this sudden rush further leading to the rumours of stampede like situation. This led to spread of panic.

— The situation was later controled by easing the rush situation. Northern Railways immediately ran 4 special trains to evacuate unprecedented sudden rush.

— Now rush has been reduced.

— In the meanwhile, the fainted and injured passengers have been taken to nearby hospitals by RPF & Delhi Police.

—A high level inquiry has been ordered by the Railways on the unfortunate incident.

Situation under control: Railway Minister

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the situation was under control at New Delhi railway station (NDLS) and special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush.

“4 special trains to evacuate this unprecedented sudden rush at NDLS. The rush has now reduced,” said the minister.

Distressed by the stampede: PM Modi

Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede, sais PM Modi in a post on X.

Several ambulances were on stand-by outside the railway station. Whereas, additional security forces have also been deployed to control the situation. The NDRF team reached New Delhi Railway station.

No stampede, says Northern Railways's CPRO

Northern Railways' CPRO claimed that there was no stampede (at New Delhi Railway Station).

"It is only a rumour. Northern Railways was running two planned special trains (for Prayagraj),” ANI quoted CPRO Northern Railways, as saying.

On January 29, thirty people were killed and 60 others were injured during a stampede in the Maha Kumbh.

Also Read: Maha Kumbh Mela Stampede: 30 dead, dozens injured. What we know so far

Constantly monitoring operations: LG

Stating that there has been an unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station, Delhi LG VK Saxena said that he has spoken to Chief Secretary and 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 relief measures. I am constantly monitoring operations,” said LG in a post on X.

Atishi slams centre

Former Delhi CM Atishi slammed centre over the stampede and said that such an incident with the devotees going for Maha Kumbh is very sad.

“Neither the central government nor the UP government is concerned about the safety of the people. There are no arrangements in Prayagraj nor are there any concrete traffic arrangements for the devotees coming from different states of the country,” Atishi said.

Atishi also requested the Railway Department to provide help to the people as soon as possible.

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