New Delhi:
At least 18 people, including 11 women and four children, were killed and over a dozen were injured in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday, caused by a sudden rush of passengers who tried to board trains for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the “unfortunate incident”.
The deputy commissioner of police (railway) said many people were present on platform number 14 when the Prayagraj Express train stood at the platform. The Swantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express were delayed and the passengers of these trains were also present on platform numbers 12, 13 and 14, the official said in a statement.
Witnesses said due to a huge rush at the station, several passengers fainted due to suffocation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed” by the incident.
“Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede,” he posted on X.
