On Saturday night, a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives and left many injured. Among the deceased were 9 women, 4 men, and 5 children. Most hailed from Bihar (9), Delhi (8), and one from Haryana. The chaos erupted around 10 PM near platforms 13 and 14. Thousands of devotees gathering for the Prayagraj Mahakumbh and attempting to board trains were caught in the commotion.
Suggan Lal Meena, a porter at the station, shared his account. Meena recounted, 'With my colleagues, I helped remove 15 bodies and placed them in ambulances. I've worked here since 1981, and I've never witnessed such a crowd. The platform was changed at the last minute, sparking panic. People climbed over each other in the chaos. I couldn't eat after witnessing such a scene.'
Source: aajtak
What Did the Porter Share?
'As a porter since 1981, I've never encountered such a scene. The Prayagraj Special Train was redirected from platform 12 to 16. When the crowd on platform 12 tried reaching 16, panic ensued. People collided, some fell on escalators and stairs.'
He further explained, 'Several porters attempted to control the crowd. We removed at least 15 bodies to ambulances, with belongings scattered everywhere. After calling for police and fire services, 3-4 ambulances arrived to take injured individuals to hospitals.'
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Platform Change Led to Pandemonium
According to Meena, the sudden platform change by railway administration caused the chaos. Passengers rushed to the alternate platform simultaneously, leading to an unmanageable crowd. 'People climbed over each other; some were trampled to death,' he described. After witnessing such despair, the sight at the station was forever altered. Suggan Lal Meena admitted, 'I couldn't eat after seeing so many bodies. My spirit was unsettled.'
Another eyewitness, Ravi, mentioned, 'The confusion began around 9:30 PM. Seeing trains on platforms 14 and 15, those on platform 13 moved towards them. Though the platforms weren't reassigned, the overwhelming crowd became unmanageable.'
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Eyewitness Accounts
An eyewitness detailing the heart-wrenching incident shared, the crowd was uncontrollable. The platforms and footbridges were brimming with thousands. This crowd was unexpected, even during festivals. Though authorities and NDRF were present, managing the surging crowd was impossible. Thousands intended to board trains to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh bath. The surge on platforms 14 and 15 led to panic, pushing incidents, and chaos. Many fell from the bridges, some onto train tracks. Rescue operations by railway officials and security forces were inadequate. Families allege delayed rescue efforts cost lives.
Ajit, another individual, noted, 'An announcement error caused a ten-thousand strong crowd to shift, leading to 18 deaths. Many were injured or fainted. Amidst the chaos, only fellow porters and locals aided, carrying the wounded in their arms. Official presence was minimal.'
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Visits the Injured
Post-incident, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena visited LNJP Hospital to meet the injured and urged acceleration of relief efforts. He expressed condolences on social media and instructed the Chief Secretary and Police Commissioner to manage the situation. Acting Chief Minister Atishi pledged comprehensive support to affected families and ordered measures to prevent such recurrences.
