Sun Feb 16 05:17:38 UTC 2025: ## Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Kills 18
**New Delhi, India –** A devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night claimed the lives of 18 people and injured many more. The tragedy unfolded around 10 pm amidst a massive surge of devotees traveling to Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 festival.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of utter chaos and overcrowding, with the crowd exceeding manageable limits. An Indian Air Force sergeant recounted making announcements and attempting to control the surging crowds, but to no avail. Another witness stated that an announcement regarding a train platform change exacerbated the situation, causing a rush from both sides that culminated in the stampede. Delays in train departures, particularly the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani, and the sale of approximately 1,500 general tickets further contributed to the overwhelming number of passengers.
One grieving family member recounted the loss of his sister, who was caught in the crush at the stairs leading to the platform. The sheer volume of people overwhelmed even the efforts of station authorities and NDRF personnel present.
Following the incident, the railway authorities temporarily blocked entry to the station and deployed four additional special trains to alleviate the congestion. The situation is now under control, according to officials, and train services have resumed to normal. However, the tragedy has left a trail of grief and raised serious questions about crowd management at the station.
The Railway Board has formed a two-member high-level committee to investigate the incident and determine the cause of the stampede. The investigation will focus on factors including crowd control measures, the handling of train delays, and ticket sales. The findings are expected to inform future strategies for preventing similar tragedies.
First Piper 