At least 15 people, including three children, lost their lives and 10 others were injured in a crowd rush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night due to a surge of passengers traveling from the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. The incident occurred around 9:55 pm.
“Fifteen people, including three children, died in the incident,” confirmed the Chief Casualty Medical Officer at LNJP Hospital.
The overcrowding happened as thousands of Maha Kumbh devotees gathered on platforms 14 and 15. Officials said the situation escalated within 15–20 minutes after a special train was announced, leading to a chaotic rush.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ordered a high-level inquiry and assured that the situation was now under control.
However, the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway denied that a stampede took place, stating, “There was no stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.”
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra provided more details, saying, “When Prayagraj Express was at platform 14, a large crowd had gathered. Delays in Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani added to the crowd on platforms 12, 13, and 14. Around 1,500 general tickets were sold, which made the crowd uncontrollable, leading to a stampede-like situation near platform 14 and the escalator at platform 1.”
Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said that rescue teams and four fire tenders were dispatched immediately to assist in relief efforts.
The Ministry of Railways also confirmed that the injured were taken to the hospital.
Expressing sorrow, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena said, “This is an unfortunate and tragic incident. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. I have spoken to the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to ensure immediate action and support.”
