Sun Feb 16 14:01:42 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18, Injures 15

**New Delhi, February 16, 2025** – A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station late Saturday night claimed the lives of at least 18 people and left 15 others injured. The incident occurred on platforms 12 and 14, where a large crowd had gathered to board trains heading to Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.

Initial investigations by Delhi Police suggest the stampede resulted from confusion among passengers regarding the departure of the Prayagraj Express and a Prayagraj Special train. The uncertainty, coupled with delays to three of the four trains heading to Prayagraj, led to a surge in the already large crowd.

Among the victims were three girls aged seven, eight, and fifteen; a 24-year-old woman; nine women aged between 35 and 45; and an elderly woman aged 70. The male victims included a 12-year-old boy, a 25-year-old man, and two men aged 45 and 47. The injured sustained blunt trauma to various parts of their bodies.

The incident triggered chaos at the station, prompting a heavy deployment of paramilitary personnel. Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain (LNJP) Hospital, where victims were taken, was sealed off to control access.

The Northern Railway responded by introducing four special trains to Prayagraj to alleviate the pressure on existing services. However, officials acknowledged an unusually high ticket sales volume in the hours leading up to the stampede.

Many victims were from Bihar, prompting condolences and compensation announcements from Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The Indian Railways announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh to those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh to those with minor injuries.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and criticism, with political parties and officials alike expressing grief and demanding accountability. The Railways have launched a two-member inquiry into the incident, while various political parties have accused the government of mismanagement and a cover-up. Left-wing parties particularly criticized the lack of adequate crowd control measures given the massive influx of pilgrims for the Maha Kumbh Mela. The investigation will also examine whether a platform change announcement contributed to the confusion. The aftermath saw railway staff working through the night to clear the debris and personal belongings left behind on the platforms.

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