On a typical bustling morning at the New Delhi Railway Station, chaos erupted on Saturday night, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals. The tragedy unfolded as two trains were delayed and a third prepared for departure towards Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela festival draws large crowds. Witnesses reported that the crush began when a passenger stumbled on the stairs, prompting a surge of frantic bodies.
Criticism has mounted against the Indian Railways for alleged failings in crowd control, with opposition leaders prompting an investigation into the incident. Authorities have offered compensation for the victims as families begin to process their grief. Pankaj Gangwar, the Principal Chief Security Commissioner, urged patience for the ongoing inquiry.
Historical hazards of overcrowding in India characterize events like the Kumbh Mela, where past incidents have led to significant casualties. Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror, as people struggled for breath beneath a sea of bodies on the stairs and platforms. Bipin Jha, whose life was shattered by the loss of his wife Mamta, detailed the despair of witnessing her death while being powerless to save her.
Seema, another victim of the crush, recounted being trapped under a pile of bodies, fighting for air. Many expressed their anger towards the lack of timely assistance from police and officials. Umesh Giri, whose wife Shilam Devi perished in the catastrophe, criticized the uncontrolled surge of people, stating, “Help took time to arrive, even as I begged for assistance.”
Victims' bodies were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital amidst a heavy presence of police and paramilitary forces, although journalists were denied entry. The condition within the hospital drew criticism, with relatives of the deceased describing shocking overcrowding.
One grieving family highlighted the despair of losing a child in such circumstances. Riya, 7, succumbed to the crush, her uncle expressing the sentiment that “no child deserves to die like this.” As families navigate their sorrow, the call for accountability and improvements in safety measures resonates loudly.
