On Saturday night, chaos erupted at New Delhi Railway Station, India, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals in an overcrowding incident. The tragedy unfolded just days before the Kumbh Mela religious festival, during which the station was bustling with eager travelers. Reports indicate that delays of two trains led to a massive influx of passengers, with one train bound for the festival contributing to the situation.
According to Indian Railways, the crush was triggered when a passenger slipped on the stairs, causing a domino effect of pushing and shoving among the crowd. Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture, with some saying the crush extended across the overhead bridge, staircases, and platforms.
“I will carry the guilt of not saving her," said Bipin Jha, whose wife Mamta was tragically killed in front of him. Seema, another witness who survived, recounted, “We fell, along with many others, and were trapped under bodies.” The intensity of crowds during major events is commonplace in India, but many are questioning the preparedness and responses of railway and police authorities to crowd management.
Government officials are under scrutiny following the tragedy. Opposition leaders have criticized the Indian Railways for failing to implement adequate safety measures, while investigations into the incident are underway. Compensation has been promised for the victims' families, but that offer does little to ease their sorrow.
The aftermath of the crush saw the injured taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where grieving relatives expressed their anger at the treatment and facilities provided. “Multiple people were crammed onto a single bed,” claimed Shobha, whose sister-in-law was among the victims.
In the wake of this shocking incident, families like that of 7-year-old Riya are left grappling with profound grief. “No child deserves to die like this,” her uncle mourned as they prepared to collect her body. As authorities investigate, the community calls for systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.
