At least 15 people lost their lives, and another 15 sustained injuries following a stampede at New Delhi’s main train station on Saturday evening, according to the city’s chief minister.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. local time as thousands of travelers gathered to board a train bound for the Maha Kumbh Hindu festival in Prayagraj, northern India.
Eyewitness Dharmender Singh described the scene, saying, “There was a huge stampede… a huge crowd. I have never seen such a crowd before.”
Reports indicated that among the deceased were 10 women and three children.
Delhi’s chief minister, Atishi, confirmed on X that many of the victims were pilgrims heading to the religious gathering.
Their remains have been taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital in the capital.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating on X, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones.” Other federal ministers also acknowledged the incident, though they did not specify casualty figures.
Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the deadly stampede.
This tragedy follows a similar incident last month at the Maha Kumbh festival itself, where over 30 people perished in a stampede amid the massive crowds gathered to bathe in the sacred river waters.
