Death Toll Increases to 18 Following Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station
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Synopsis
A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in 18 fatalities and numerous injuries as a crowd surged to board trains for the Maha Kumbh Mela. Emergency services were deployed, and investigations are underway to determine the cause, with enhanced security measures now in place.
Key Takeaways
- 18 fatalities reported in the stampede.
- Overcrowding on platforms due to the Maha Kumbh Mela.
- Emergency services quickly responded to the situation.
- Investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.
- Enhanced security measures implemented to prevent future occurrences.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has resulted in the loss of at least 18 lives and left more than a dozen individuals injured. The chaos erupted late Saturday night as a large number of passengers hurried to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
The stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge in passengers attempting to catch the evening trains to the religious city, leading to severe overcrowding and disorder on platforms 14 and 15.
While most victims have been identified, authorities reported that two casualties remain unnamed. Among those who lost their lives, at least three were children.
The situation became critical when the sudden influx of passengers, combined with train delays, caused widespread panic. Emergency response teams, including medical staff and police, swiftly arrived at the scene to restore order. Injured individuals were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
DCP Railway KPS Malhotra provided insights into the incident, indicating that the primary cause of the stampede was the surge of passengers coinciding with delays of two trains. He stated, "At one point, the train was delayed, and in addition, there were extra tickets purchased for Prayagraj. We assessed the crowd, explaining that during a specific 10-minute window, the arrival of additional passengers coupled with the train delays led to the unfortunate situation."
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the stampede, and enhanced security measures have been implemented at the station to avert further incidents.
