At least 18 people, including 14 women, lost their lives in a stampede at New Delhi railway station late Saturday night. The incident occurred as thousands of Hindu pilgrims gathered to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, northern India.
The chaos began when some passengers slipped and fell while descending a footbridge connecting train platforms, leading to a sudden surge and confusion among the crowd. Witnesses reported that an announcement about a change in train platforms exacerbated the situation, causing panic and a deadly crush.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims' families and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to determine its causes and prevent future occurrences.
This devastating event follows a similar tragedy last month, where at least 30 people died in a stampede during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The festival, which attracts millions of devotees, has a history of crowd-related disasters, underscoring the need for improved safety measures during such large gatherings.
Authorities are currently assisting those affected by the stampede, and additional special trains are being arranged to manage the influx of pilgrims traveling to the festival. The government emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all attendees during the remainder of the event.