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On Saturday night, hundreds of Maha Kumbh devotees gathered at the New Delhi Railway Station to board their trains, causing overcrowding that resulted in a stampede that killed at least 18 people—nine women, five children, and four men—and injured several others. Lady Hardinge Hospital and Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital are now treating the injured. According to reports, the youngest casualty was a child who was seven years old, and the oldest was 79 years old. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh gave condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede and lashed out at Railway authorities over the incident.
Harbhajan Singh on Delhi Station stampede
"My deepest condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the stampede at New Delhi railway station yesterday. Prayers for early recovery of the injured. Better coordination among railway authorities could have prevented the incident. Why the situation went out of control that led to loss od lives needs thorough investigation," the former Indian player wrote from his official 'X' account.
Railway Minister on stampede
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the situation at the New Delhi railway station, where a stampede claimed the lives of eighteen people was under control. He added that in order to manage the extraordinary volume of travelers en route to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, Northern Railways ran four special trains. Vaishnaw said in a series of tweets late Saturday and early Sunday that his staff had been trying to help everyone impacted by the unfortunate event and that a high-level investigation into the stampede had been authorized.
"Four special trains to evacuate this unprecedented sudden rush at the New Delhi railway station (NDLS). The rush has now reduced," Vaishnaw said.
He added in another tweet that members of the Delhi Police and Railway Police Force (RPF) have arrived to assess the situation.
"Situation under control at the NDLS. Delhi Police and RPF reached. Injured taken to hospital. Special trains being run to evacuate sudden rush," he said.
About an hour later, Vaishnaw said "a high-level inquiry was ordered".
The Union Minister expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, saying, "Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede that occurred at the New Delhi railway station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident."
