At least 18 people were killed and many injured after chaos broke out at New Delhi railway station late on Saturday night. The incident occurred after a large crowd gathered and panicked within 15-20 minutes after a special train was announced.
The panic was triggered by a huge rush of passengers arriving at the station to board special trains bound for the city of Prayagraj, where the major Hindu festival Maha Kumbh takes place, The Times of India reported. Some passengers fainted amid the rush, rumours of a stampede-like situation spread and the panic intensified.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident at X. "We are saddened by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones. I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Authorities are helping all those affected by this stampede," he said.
Condoling the deaths in the incident, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said it was extremely shameful and condemnable that the Modi government was trying to "hide the truth" about the deaths.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said better arrangements needed to be made at the station considering the large number of devotees heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh.
“This incident once again highlights the failure of the Railways and the apathy of the government. Considering the large number of devotees heading to Prayagraj, better arrangements should have been made at the station,” Gandhi wrote in his post on X.
