Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18, Injures Over a Dozen

Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18, Injures Over a Dozen

New Delhi, February 15, 2025 – At least 18 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in a tragic stampede that broke out late Saturday night at New Delhi Railway Station, officials confirmed. The incident occurred as a massive crowd gathered on platforms 14 and 15, waiting to board trains heading to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh Mela is currently underway.

What Eyewitness Describe ?

Eyewitnesses reported an overwhelming rush at the station, leading to panic and suffocation. Authorities stated that platform 14 was already overcrowded when the Prayagraj Express was stationed there, while delays in Swatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express contributed to further congestion on platforms 12, 13, and 14.

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The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) revealed that 1,500 general tickets were being sold every hour, overwhelming the station and making the situation uncontrollable. The stampede occurred around 9:55 PM, particularly near platform 14 and the escalator at platform 16, prompting an emergency response.

Casualties and Emergency Response

Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi confirmed that 15 victims were brought dead to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, including 14 women and five minors—two of whom were under 10 years old. Around 15 injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment.

Authorities immediately dispatched rescue teams and four fire tenders to the site, according to Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg.

Reactions and Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, posting on X (formerly Twitter):

“Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The authorities are assisting all those affected.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his condolences, calling the incident “devastating” and offering prayers for the families of the deceased and the injured.

Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy of the injured.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 15, 2025

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena initially acknowledged the loss of lives and injuries in an X post, calling the incident “unfortunate and tragic.” However, minutes later, he edited the post to remove mentions of fatalities, without providing an explanation.

There has been an unfortunate incident at New Delhi Railway Station.
Have spoken to Chief Secretary & Police Commissioner and asked them to address the situation.

CS has been asked to deploy relief personnel.

Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of…

— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) February 15, 2025

Before the death toll was confirmed, Railway Board’s Information and Publicity Executive Dilip Kumar downplayed the severity, calling it a “stampede-like situation.”

In response to the overcrowding, railway officials deployed four special trains and are considering more to ease passenger congestion.

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Authorities are investigating the cause of the stampede, with an emphasis on railway crowd management. The massive rush due to the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage, combined with train delays and ticket overselling, appears to have played a major role.

(References from Various Sources)