Tragic Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives//

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//Tragic Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station Claims 18 Lives//

Passengers jostle with each other to board a train at the New Delhi Railway station, in New Delhi, India on February 16, 2025.

At least 18 people, including 14 women, lost their lives in a devastating stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 16, 2025. The tragic event unfolded as thousands of passengers gathered to board a train bound for the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, northern India, a significant pilgrimage event that draws millions of Hindu devotees.

Security personnel stand guard outside a mortuary where victims are brought following a stampede in New Delhi, India on February 16, 2025.

According to reports from the Press Trust of India, the stampede occurred late Saturday evening when a section of the crowd slipped and fell while descending from a footbridge connecting train platforms. The fall triggered a domino effect, leading to chaos and panic among the tightly packed crowd. Authorities have confirmed that among the deceased, a majority were women, adding to the heartbreak of the incident.

Delhi’s caretaker chief minister, Atishi, expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the disaster. She assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and prevent future occurrences. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people desperately trying to escape the crush. Many survivors suffered injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.

In the wake of the tragedy, security measures at major railway stations across India are being reviewed. Officials are assessing whether improved crowd management protocols, additional footbridges, and increased security personnel could help mitigate similar risks in the future.

This devastating incident underscores the urgent need for better infrastructure and crowd control mechanisms at major transit hubs, especially during peak travel seasons and religious gatherings. As families mourn the loss of their loved ones, the nation grapples with yet another avoidable tragedy, calling for stronger safety measures to protect its citizens.