Sun Feb 16 10:41:44 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Railway Station Stampede Leaves 18 Dead, Dozens Injured

**New Delhi, India** – A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night claimed the lives of at least 18 people, including 14 women, and injured 15 others. The incident, which occurred around 10 pm, was triggered by an overwhelming surge of passengers rushing to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the ongoing Kumbh Mela.

Platforms 14 and 15 bore the brunt of the crush, exacerbated by the closure of one staircase on each platform for crowd control, according to reports. Delays in train departures and a high volume of ticket sales further contributed to the chaos. Eyewitnesses described a scene of uncontrolled panic as passengers pushed and shoved, attempting to reach the trains or the congested staircases. One child was even seen using an emergency window to board a train.

Confusion over train announcements, with two trains bearing the name “Prayagraj,” also played a role in the incident, Delhi Police stated. The announcement of a Prayagraj Special arriving at Platform 16 caused a mass movement towards that platform, despite another Prayagraj Express already on Platform 14.

The Indian Railways has announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries. Several state governments, including Bihar, also announced ex-gratia payments for victims from their respective states.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The Congress party demanded the resignation of the Railway Minister, citing mismanagement. Several other political leaders expressed their condolences and called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed by the Railways to investigate the causes of the stampede and review safety protocols at the station. Delhi Police have also launched an investigation, analyzing CCTV footage to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. The inquiry will also examine whether delays in train departures and the high volume of tickets sold contributed to the overcrowding.

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