Tragic Stampede at Delhi Railway Station Leaves 18 Dead

Eighteen people lost their lives in a tragic stampede at Delhi railway station on Saturday night. Chaos erupted as thousands of passengers rushed to board overcrowded trains heading to the Maha Kumbh festival. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Stampede at Delhi Railway Station: What Happened?

Millions of Hindu devotees gather every twelve years in Prayagraj for this sacred event. Fatal incidents occur frequently, including last month’s disaster that claimed thirty lives near the holy river confluence.

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The tragedy unfolded on Saturday evening as Delhi railway station became overwhelmed with festival-bound travelers. Crowds struggled to board packed trains before the event’s scheduled end on February 26.

Dr. Ritu Saxena from Lok Nayak Hospital confirmed fifteen fatalities upon arrival at the medical facility. “Most victims displayed no open wounds, suggesting suffocation or blunt trauma,” she stated.

Authorities later revised the death toll to eighteen, including five children aged between seven and seventy-nine years old. Reports indicate that fourteen of the deceased were female.

Atishi, Chief Minister of Delhi, expressed condolences to grieving families. “We mourn those lost and stand with their loved ones in this devastating moment,” she stated.

Government Response to the Delhi Railway Station Tragedy

The stampede occurred around 8 PM on two crowded platforms filled with passengers waiting for trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Despite the catastrophe, huge crowds continued arriving at the station Sunday morning. Authorities increased security personnel to manage the overwhelming rush of festival-bound travelers.

In response, Vaishnaw arranged additional trains from Delhi to accommodate the surge of pilgrims. Efforts intensified to prevent further accidents and maintain order at transit points.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events, offering condolences to affected families. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized government mismanagement of festival transportation.

Political tensions escalated as opposition leaders accused authorities of concealing the stampede for hours. Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera condemned officials, alleging negligence and deception.

“The government prioritizes its reputation over millions of pilgrims’ safety. No proper arrangements exist,” Khera asserted in a statement.

Maha Kumbh is the largest religious congregation globally, attracting millions of Hindu devotees. Since its commencement last month, approximately 500 million people have already participated.

Source: tribune.com.pk

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