A devastating stampede at a New Delhi railway station on Saturday has resulted in the loss of 18 lives, including 14 women. The victims were predominantly Hindu pilgrims en route to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, according to Delhi’s caretaker chief minister, Atishi.
The incident unfolded as thousands of individuals congregated at the station, awaiting their train. Authorities report that the stampede began when several passengers lost their footing on a footbridge connecting platforms, causing a cascading fall onto others below.
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of chaos and helplessness. Sheela Devi, who tragically lost her daughter-in-law in the incident, recounted the confusion that erupted following an announcement regarding a platform change. Shopkeeper Nikhil Kumar, another witness, described the scene as an uncontrollable surge of people.
The image captures the somber aftermath, showing emergency personnel and onlookers amidst the scene of the tragedy. The caption identifies the location as the New Delhi Railway station and the date as February 15, 2025.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound sorrow over the incident via social media, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of those injured. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the stampede.
This tragic event follows another deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival just last month, where at least 30 lives were lost amidst the massive gathering of Hindu pilgrims. The recurring nature of such incidents raises concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at large-scale events.
