On Saturday night, a tragic incident at New Delhi Railway Station led to a deadly crush that claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals and left many more injured. The crowded station, known for its constant bustle, was overwhelmed with passengers due to train delays and the ongoing Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj.
Authorities reported that the chaos erupted when a passenger lost their footing on the stairs, causing others to fall and leading to severe overcrowding on adjacent platforms and the overhead bridge. Opposition leaders have raised concerns about the inadequate crowd management by Indian Railways, calling for accountability and improved safety measures.
Eyewitness accounts reflect the desperation of the moments leading up to the tragedy, with families expressing their grief and anger toward officials who failed to respond effectively. Bipin Jha, who witnessed his wife Mamta's death, described the unbearable guilt he feels while others like Umesh Giri recounted the uncontrollable nature of the crowd that day.
As rescue teams arrived at the scene hours later, many families rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital to identify and claim the bodies of their loved ones. Reports from the hospital indicated overcrowded, inadequate facilities just adding to the families' distress as they navigated through the aftermath of the event.
The incident has reignited discussions surrounding crowd safety measures in India, particularly during significant religious gatherings, where similar occurrences have tragically happened before. As investigations proceed, there are rising calls for systemic changes to minimize the risk of such disasters in the future.
