18 People Dead in Stampede at Delhi Railway Station: CM Sukhu Expresses Condolences
Shimla, February 16 – The tragic stampede that took place at the New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night has left the entire nation in shock and sorrow. The stampede, which occurred amidst a large crowd of passengers traveling to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh, claimed the lives of 18 people, including 14 women and 3 children. In addition to those who lost their lives, more than 25 others were injured, some critically. The news of this horrifying incident has shaken the hearts of many, and condolences have poured in from all corners of the country, including from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
The Tragic Incident at New Delhi Railway Station
The stampede occurred between platform numbers 13, 14, and 15 at the New Delhi Railway Station. According to reports, a huge crowd had gathered at the station starting from around 4 pm as passengers flocked to board trains heading towards Prayagraj for the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela. The crowd had swelled significantly as the evening approached, causing heavy congestion around the platforms.
By 8:30 pm, the situation took a tragic turn. Three trains heading towards Prayagraj were delayed, which only added to the already crowded platforms. The delays caused a further accumulation of passengers, who were trying to board the trains. Eyewitnesses reported that an announcement was made about the train changing platforms, which led to panic among the waiting passengers. The sudden rush of people, combined with the confusion caused by the platform change announcement, led to a stampede, which resulted in the tragic loss of life.
The stampede left a trail of devastation, with 18 people confirmed dead and over 25 people injured. Among those injured, some are reported to be in critical condition, and the authorities have rushed to provide medical assistance. The injured passengers were quickly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, and medical teams were working round the clock to attend to them.
Chief Minister Sukhu’s Condolences
Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, expressed his profound sadness over the incident. In a heartfelt condolence message, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the tragic stampede. He also extended his best wishes for the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.
“This incident is extremely tragic and heartbreaking,” said CM Sukhu. “My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased. I pray that the departed souls rest in peace, and I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. The state of Himachal Pradesh shares in the grief of the families affected by this terrible incident.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Several eyewitnesses who were present at the scene described the chaotic and panic-stricken situation as the stampede unfolded. According to one witness, the crowd had been building up throughout the afternoon, and the situation worsened as the evening approached. “We were all waiting for the trains to come, and when the announcement was made about the train changing platforms, everyone rushed towards the new platform. There was no way to control the crowd, and suddenly people started falling on top of each other,” said one of the survivors, visibly shaken by the traumatic experience.
Another eyewitness recalled seeing people struggling to escape the crush. “I could see people being trampled underfoot. It was a nightmare. I immediately tried to help those around me, but the crowd was so dense that it was difficult to move. It was impossible to breathe,” said a passenger who was fortunate to escape unharmed.
The horrifying sight of the stampede has left the survivors and witnesses deeply traumatized, with many still trying to come to terms with what they saw. The authorities are working to provide support and counseling to those who witnessed the event.
Railway’s Response and Investigation
In response to the stampede, the Indian Railways has formed a two-member committee to investigate the incident. The committee will be led by senior officials from Northern Railway, Narsingh Deo and Pankaj Gangwar, who have been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the stampede.
The committee will examine the CCTV footage from the New Delhi Railway Station to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the disaster. It is also expected that the investigation will address the adequacy of crowd management measures at the station, as well as any lapses in the handling of the situation. The railway authorities have assured the public that strict action will be taken if any negligence or lapses are found.
In the wake of the incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed his deep sorrow and announced that the railways would leave no stone unturned in identifying the reasons behind the stampede and preventing such incidents in the future.
Compensation for the Victims
Following the tragedy, the Indian Railways has announced a compensation package for the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede. The families of the deceased will receive a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each, while the seriously injured passengers will be provided with Rs 2.5 lakh. For those who suffered minor injuries, the compensation has been set at Rs 1 lakh.
The compensation package is intended to provide some relief to the victims’ families during this difficult time. However, many feel that no amount of money can replace the loss of their loved ones.
National Reaction and Messages of Condolence
The stampede has shocked not only those directly affected but also the entire nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. In his message, the Prime Minister said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with the families of the victims, and I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Similarly, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and President Draupadi Murmu also expressed their sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. Leaders from various political parties, including Congress, BJP, and regional parties, have also conveyed their condolences and urged the government to ensure that such an incident never happens again.
Ongoing Efforts to Assist the Victims
Apart from the compensation package, the Delhi Government and the Indian Railways have launched efforts to assist the affected families. Medical teams have been stationed at local hospitals to provide ongoing care to the injured, and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to offer support. Authorities have also set up counseling services for the survivors and witnesses who are struggling with trauma and grief.
The Call for Improved Safety Measures
Following the incident, there has been growing concern about the safety measures in place at railway stations, particularly during major events like the Maha Kumbh Mela, which draws large crowds. Many people have called for better crowd control strategies, more effective communication, and increased staffing to manage large gatherings at railway stations.
Experts in crowd management have emphasized the need for advanced planning and coordination among various agencies, including the railways, local police, and civil defense, to ensure that such incidents are prevented. They have also suggested that more attention should be given to providing clear announcements and maintaining controlled movement of passengers during busy times.
The tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night is a reminder of the importance of effective crowd management and safety measures in public spaces, particularly during large events. The loss of 18 innocent lives, including women and children, has left the entire nation in mourning. While the government and the railway authorities are doing everything possible to assist the victims’ families and investigate the incident, it is clear that more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s heartfelt condolences reflect the grief felt by millions across the country. As the investigation unfolds, the authorities must ensure that lessons are learned from this tragedy and that steps are taken to ensure the safety and security of passengers at all railway stations.
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