Confusion Over Train Names Triggers Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Station; Says Cops

A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including three children, on a tumultuous Saturday night. The incident unfolded as a massive crowd gathered to board trains headed to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, leading to widespread panic and numerous injuries.

According to Delhi Police, the root of the chaos was a mix-up involving two trains with similar names. The arrival of the Prayagraj Special at platform 16, while the Prayagraj Express was already stationed at platform 14, caused significant confusion. Passengers, already on edge due to the rush, mistakenly rushed towards platform 16, believing it was their train, which exacerbated the overcrowding and led to the stampede. This confusion was further complicated by the delay of three out of four trains destined for Prayagraj, intensifying the crowd density.

The Ministry of Railways has swiftly responded by launching a high-level inquiry into what they’ve described as an “unfortunate incident”. They’ve stated that the sudden surge in passengers triggered panic, leading to some fainting from the overwhelming situation. Contrary to some eyewitness accounts suggesting a last-minute platform change announcement, the Railways have clarified no such change was made.

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A special committee, comprising Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar from Northern Railway, has been formed to delve into the specifics of how this tragedy occurred. They’ve already secured all relevant video footage from the station to aid in their investigation.

In response to the tragedy, the Railways has announced compensation packages: Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who perished, Rs 25 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries, aiming to provide some form of relief to the affected.

This incident not only highlights logistical issues at major transport hubs but also underscores the human cost of such events. Families have been shattered, and the joy of participating in one of the world’s largest religious gatherings turned into mourning.

The stampede at New Delhi Station serves as a grim reminder of the need for clear communication, better crowd management, and infrastructure improvements to handle such large gatherings safely. As the investigation continues, there’s a collective hope for measures that will prevent future tragedies, ensuring that the journey to cultural and religious events like the Maha Kumbh Mela can be undertaken with safety and peace of mind.