15 dead after Kumbh rush leads to stampede at New Delhi Railway Station

NEW DELHI: At least 15 people were killed and several others were injured after a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night. The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered after the announcement of a special train, leading to chaos within 15-20 minutes.
Among the 15 casualties in the incident, three were children, according to the chief casualty medical officer of LNJP Hospital.
The situation unfolded due to a huge rush of passengers who had reached the station to board special trains for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Some passengers fainted amid the sudden surge, sparking rumours of a stampede-like situation and further fuelling panic.
For more updates: Delhi Railway Station Stampede Live
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X and said he was "distressed" by the stampede. "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," PM Modi said.

Following the incident, a call was made to the Delhi Fire Service, prompting the deployment of four fire tenders to the scene. Injured and fainted passengers were promptly taken to nearby hospitals by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Delhi Police.

The situation has since been brought under control, according to DCP Railway KPS Malhotra, who explained that the crowd surge was triggered by the delay of two trains and an unexpected influx of passengers.
Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level investigation into the incident and confirmed that four special trains were arranged to manage the unprecedented rush, with more on standby. In a tweet, he stated, “4 special trains to evacuate this unprecedented sudden rush at NDLS. The rush has now reduced.”

Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences on social media, saying, “Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to the stampede on the railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.”