Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station 18 Dead, Many Injured
A tragic stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night led to the deaths of at least 18 people, including many women and children. Dozens of passengers were also injured in the incident. The railway station was overcrowded with travelers, most of whom were heading to Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh festival.
What Happened at New Delhi Railway Station?
The stampede occurred when a large number of passengers rushed to board a train. According to railway officials, the situation got out of control when some people slipped and fell while coming down from a foot-over bridge. This caused panic among the crowd, leading to a deadly stampede.
Key reasons for the stampede:
- Overcrowding due to festival travel rush.
- Passengers slipping and falling on the bridge.
- Lack of crowd management at the station.
- Insufficient security measures to control the situation.
List of Victims
Among the 18 people who lost their lives, nine were from Bihar, eight were from Delhi, and one was from Haryana. The victims included men, women, and children.
Children:
- Riya Singh (7), Delhi
- Pooja Kumar (8), Bihar
- Neeraj (12), Bihar
- Suruchi (11), Bihar
- Vijay Sah (15), Bihar
Women:
- Baby Kumari (24), Delhi
- Sangeeta Malik (34), Haryana
- Poonam (34), Delhi
- Lalita Devi (35), Bihar
- Poonam Devi (40), Bihar
- Mamta Jha (40), Delhi
- Krishna Devi (40), Bihar
- Shanti Devi (40), Bihar
- Pinky Devi (41), Delhi
- Sheela Devi (50), Delhi
- Aha Devi (79), Bihar
Men:
- Vyom (25), Delhi
- Manoj (47), Delhi
Reactions from Leaders and Authorities
The tragic incident has sparked condolences from various leaders. President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, stating that she was “deeply anguished” by the tragedy. She extended her condolences to the affected families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his grief, saying he was “distressed” by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. He assured that authorities were providing full support to the victims and their families.
Government’s Response:
- The railway authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
- Compensation may be announced for the victims’ families.
- Plans to improve crowd control and security at railway stations are under discussion.
Safety Concerns at Indian Railway Stations
Stampedes at railway stations have happened before in India, raising concerns about passenger safety. Overcrowding, poor management, and lack of emergency planning often contribute to such tragedies.
Steps Needed to Prevent Such Incidents:
- Better crowd management strategies, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Increased security personnel at busy railway stations.
- Improved communication and announcements to guide passengers.
- Building wider and safer foot-over bridges.
Impact of the Incident on Travelers
This tragic event has caused fear among travelers, especially those traveling for religious festivals. Many passengers are now questioning the safety measures at railway stations. People have urged authorities to take immediate steps to prevent such disasters in the future.
The incident has also sparked discussions in the media, including platforms like Vikatan, which has been covering railway safety issues. Many news channels and newspapers have highlighted the importance of improving railway infrastructure to avoid such accidents.
Additionally, the Delhi CM news has reported that the state government is working closely with railway authorities to provide relief to victims and their families.
The stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is a heartbreaking incident that has left many families in mourning. The government must take strong action to improve safety at railway stations and ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. Passengers also need to be more aware of crowd control measures to prevent panic in busy areas.
