At least 15 people have died and 10 others have sustained injuries following a devastating crush at New Delhi Railway Station, according to reports from Indian media. The chaos erupted as large numbers of individuals flocked to the station to travel for the religious event, Kumbh Mela, which attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims each year. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences via a post on X, sharing heartfelt thoughts with those who have lost loved ones in this tragic incident.
Witnesses described the scene as overwhelming, with some stating that the crowd size made it impossible to even enter the station. Eyewitness Ruby Devi recounted her experience, stating that the situation felt similar to a stampede. Reports from authorities confirmed that the situation is now under control, though initial dismissals of the term "stampede" were made by Indian Railways, later acknowledging that injuries had occurred.
Dr. Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent at Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed to AFP that 15 fatalities were recorded at her facility, including three children and 10 women. As the investigation continues, questions have arisen regarding crowd safety management during large gatherings, especially in the wake of a similar tragedy at the Kumbh Mela festival just weeks prior.
