Delhi Stampede: 18 Dead, Situation Under Control

Over 18 people, including nine women, four men and five children, were killed and many others were injured as many devotees thronged the New Delhi railway station to head to Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, leading to a stampede late on Saturday night.

Around 10 pm, the stampede occurred at platform numbers 14 and 15 when passengers tried to make their way forcefully into different coaches of Magadh Express which arrived at platform number 15.

Being weekend, the crowd was more and the situation spiraled out of control within minutes.

The Railways claimed arrangements were made and extra trains were also made available to handle the weekend rush but there was a huge crowd and there were no police to control the passengers.

The heavy crowd comprised not just the passengers but others who came to see them off and this led to a rise in the crowd which soon became unmanageable.

One of the eye witnesses said that one train stationed on one platform was full but many outside the train tried to hop on, leading to the tragedy. The situation was so bad that many passengers could not get into the train despite having reserved tickets.

A coolie at the railway station who is a witness to the situation said the rush was so heavy at platform numbers 12, 13, 14 and 15 that there was no space to walk in that area.

He said that he and his colleagues helped many people during the commotion. However, several people suffered in the stampede and a few fell victims to the chaotic situation.

On information, the railway personnel also reached the place and after some time, the situation was brought under control.

As of the morning of February 16, the situation is under control and has returned to normal.

Compensation has been announced and is being distributed to those affected by the New Delhi Railway Station incident:

> ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased

> ₹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured

> ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries