A frantic rush at a crowded New Delhi railway station turned deadly on Saturday night, as at least 15 people lost their lives and more than 10 others were injured in a stampede. The tragedy unfolded as thousands of passengers surged forward in a desperate bid to board trains bound for Prayagraj, the site of the Maha Kumbh Mela—the world’s largest religious gathering.
Panic Turns Fatal Amid Festival Rush
The stampede, which occurred around 8 p.m. local time, took place on two platforms overwhelmed with pilgrims and travelers eager to reach the festival. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, as people were pushed and trampled in the overcrowded station. According to Dr. Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent at Lok Nayak Hospital, the victims showed no visible external injuries, suggesting that suffocation or internal trauma may have been the primary cause of death. Official autopsies are pending confirmation.
Government Reacts, Investigation Launched
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a “distressing tragedy” and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh echoed his sentiments, emphasizing the need for urgent assistance to those affected. Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an official inquiry to determine the cause of the stampede and assess safety measures at the station.
A Recurring Danger at Religious Gatherings
This latest disaster underscores the ongoing challenges of crowd control at major religious events in India. Just last month, a similar stampede during the six-week-long Kumbh Mela resulted in at least 30 deaths. With millions of devotees converging for ritual baths in sacred river waters, authorities have long struggled to manage the enormous influx of pilgrims.
As the nation mourns the victims of this devastating incident, questions remain about whether adequate precautions were in place to prevent yet another fatal stampede in one of the world’s busiest railway networks.
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