In a harrowing incident at New Delhi’s railway station, at least 15 people tragically lost their lives late on Saturday night, 15 February 2024, as crowds surged in a desperate bid to catch trains to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj. The chaos unfolded around 10.30pm Singapore time while passengers eagerly awaited their turn.
Details of the Incident
The deceased reportedly included 10 women and three children, many of whom were pilgrims heading to attend one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, which attracts millions of Hindus.
- The stampede reportedly was triggered by overcrowding as passengers scrambled for limited train spaces.
- Most victims are believed to have suffered from hypoxia, with post-mortems pending to confirm details.
Official Reactions
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, extending condolences to the bereaved families. He remarked, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones…”.
Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi also offered her prayers, highlighting the gravity of the situation. In her statement, she remarked, “This is a very tragic incident…”. Meanwhile, India’s Interior Minister Amit Shah was quick to engage with relevant officials, initiating an enquiry into the events that transpired.
Authorities Respond
As the emergency response unfolded, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the situation was under control, stating that additional special trains had been deployed to assist stranded passengers. Disaster management teams were activated to prepare hospitals for immediate treatment of the injured.
- 15 fatalities confirmed at Lok Nayak Hospital, with many injuries reported to be stable.
- About 500 million devotees have visited the Kumbh Mela since its inception last month.
A History of Crowd Disasters
The Kumbh Mela has a notorious history of crowd-related tragedies, with a similar event claiming dozens of lives just last month. In 1954, over 400 people died in a crowd crush at this very festival, marking it as one of the largest recorded disasters of its kind. Understanding the scale, it’s crucial for effective crowd management during such gatherings.
As this year’s Kumbh Mela nears its end on 26 February, officials must be vigilant and proactive to prevent further tragedies.