At Least 18 People Dead, Several Injured In Stampede At New Delhi Railway Station; PM Modi Expresses Grief

A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday (15 February) night claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including nine women, five children, and four men, India Today reported.

The tragedy occurred amid overcrowding due to thousands of Maha Kumbh devotees gathered at the station to their board trains.

Those injured in the stampede have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital and Lady Hardinge Hospital for treatment.

The eldest victim was 79 years old, while the youngest was a seven-year-old girl, India Today reported.

In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways announced financial assistance for the victims on Sunday (16 February) morning.

Families of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh, while those who sustained serious injuries will be compensated with Rs 2.5 lakh. Individuals with minor injuries will be given Rs 1 lakh.

In a statement, the Railways confirmed that the tragic incident occurred at around 10 pm on platforms 13 and 14 as "some of the passengers present on the platforms fainted due to this sudden rush, further leading to the rumours of a stampede-like situation".

"This led to panic and chaos. The situation was later controlled by easing the rush situation. The Northern Railways immediately dispatched four special trains in the wake of the unprecedented sudden rush. A high level inquiry has been ordered," it added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragedy.

"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 said in a post on X.

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