A deadly stampede at New Delhi's bustling railway station has claimed at least 15 lives during a massive rush for the Kumbh Mela festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the crisis via social media, calling it 'deeply distressing.'
Delhi's caretaker Chief Minister Atishi confirmed victims were taken to Lok Nayak Hospital. The incident occurred Saturday night as thousands attempted to board trains for the Maha Kumbh festival in Uttar Pradesh – a gathering attracting tens of millions of devotees.
My thoughts are with families who lost loved ones, Modi stated on X. Authorities are extending full support to victims.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched an investigation into crowd management failures. This tragedy follows a similar disaster last month when 30 pilgrims died during the same six-week religious event.
- Critical issues under investigation:
- Festival transportation planning
- Crowd control protocols
- Emergency response timelines
Security analysts stress the challenges of managing India's mega-festivals. With the Kumbh Mela continuing until late August, authorities now face mounting pressure to implement enhanced crowd safety measures. This incident marks the third major festival stampede in India since 2022, raising urgent questions about mass gathering protocols.
Medical teams remain on high alert as hospitals report 22 injured survivors. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes with people climbing over fences and falling onto tracks as overcrowded trains approached. Railway officials have temporarily increased police presence at all major stations serving the pilgrimage route.
