Mon Feb 17 08:47:19 UTC 2025: **18 Dead in Delhi Railway Station Stampede**
**New Delhi, February 17, 2025** – A stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night resulted in the deaths of 18 passengers and numerous injuries. The incident occurred around 9:15 pm on Platform 14, primarily affecting pilgrims heading to Prayagraj.
Railway officials attribute the tragedy to a combination of factors: an overwhelming number of pilgrims, the continued sale of approximately 1,500 unreserved tickets per hour to Prayagraj with no access control, and a lack of crowd management. Around 2,600 tickets to Prayagraj were sold between 6 pm and 8 pm. Initial investigations suggest confusion over announcements, though railway officials deny any misleading announcements were made, triggered the rush. The surge of people onto a footbridge already crowded with passengers caused the stampede. Further complicating matters, a delay in the New Delhi to Dharbanga Swatantrata Senani Express left hundreds stranded on Platform 13.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways issued a statement urging the public to avoid rumors and follow official announcements, pledging improved crowd control measures to prevent future incidents. The investigation into the stampede is ongoing.
First Piper 