President Murmu Offers Sympathy After Tragic Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station
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Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep condolences to families affected by a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station, which resulted in the loss of at least 15 lives. The incident occurred as crowds surged to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival, prompting swift responses from authorities to restore order.
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu expressed condolences to bereaved families.
- At least 15 fatalities were confirmed in the stampede.
- The incident occurred on platforms 14 and 15.
- Authorities quickly intervened to restore order.
- Special trains are being operated to manage the crowd.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her sincere sympathies on Sunday to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones in a devastating stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station.
At least 15 individuals were reported deceased, with numerous others injured amid the turmoil that unfolded on Saturday night as travelers hurried to board trains to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
In a message shared on X, President Murmu expressed her profound sadness, stating, "Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."
The stampede occurred around 8 p.m. on platforms 14 and 15 of the station, as a large assembly of passengers sought to catch trains to the holy city of Prayagraj.
The situation escalated into chaos as the crowd increased, resulting in the tragic event.
Officials from the LNJP Hospital confirmed that at least 15 people lost their lives.
In response to the incident, the Delhi Police and Railway Protection Force (RPF) were promptly dispatched to restore order, with fire engines also sent to the area.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured the public through a post on X that the situation was under control. He also noted that injured passengers were being transported to nearby hospitals and that special trains were being operated to handle the surge of travelers.
The Northern Railway stated in a post on X, "Situation of heavy rush at New Delhi Station is under control. Delhi police and RPF reached. Injured have been taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush."
Meanwhile, a police official reported, "When the Prayagraj Express was on platform number 14, many people were present there. The Swatatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani (both of which pass through Prayagraj) were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present on platforms 12, 13, and 14."
Special trains operated by the Railways for the Mahakumbh have been experiencing substantial crowds as the festival nears its conclusion on February 26.
