Stampede at New Delhi station leaves 18 dead, 10 lakh ex gratia announced

A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night led to the deaths of at least 18 people, with several others injured. The chaos erupted as a massive crowd gathered following the announcement of a special train, causing panic within minutes. The incident unfolded as thousands of passengers arrived at the station to board special trains for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, leading to an uncontrollable rush.

Witnesses reported that the sudden surge of people led to several passengers fainting due to suffocation. This triggered rumors of a possible stampede, escalating the panic further. Within 15-20 minutes, the situation worsened as people struggled to move, leading to casualties. Several injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals, while emergency response teams and railway authorities worked to manage the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the tragic incident. Taking to social media platform X, he wrote, “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.” His message highlighted the government’s concern and commitment to helping the affected families.

In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways has announced a compensation package for the victims and their families. The families of the deceased will receive Rs 10 lakh each, while those who sustained serious injuries will receive Rs 2.5 lakh. Passengers with minor injuries will be given Rs 1 lakh as compensation. The railway authorities have assured that further assistance will be provided as needed.