NEW DELHI, Feb 16 — A deadly stampede at a railway station in India’s capital late Friday night claimed the lives of at least 18 people, as massive crowds scrambled to board trains to the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
Officials confirmed that the tragedy unfolded when a sudden rush of passengers at the station led to chaos, causing many to be crushed or suffocated in the overcrowded space.
A Festival Marked by Tragedy
Held every 12 years in Prayagraj, the Kumbh Mela draws tens of millions of Hindu devotees who seek spiritual purification at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. The event has a history of deadly stampedes, including another tragic incident last month that left at least 30 people dead.
Eyewitnesses described the panic and confusion at the train station as desperate passengers collided and fell on escalators and staircases.
“I have worked as a coolie (porter) since 1981, but I have never seen a crowd like this before,” a railway porter told the Times of India. He recounted how the platform for a special train to Prayagraj was abruptly changed, triggering a chaotic surge of passengers.
Casualties and Injuries
Dr. Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed that 15 people had died upon arrival at the hospital.
“They don’t have any open injuries. Most likely, they died due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) or blunt force trauma, but confirmation will come after an autopsy,” she told AFP.
An additional 11 injured individuals are receiving treatment, mostly for orthopedic injuries, she added.
Another hospital in New Delhi later reported three more deaths, bringing the total confirmed casualties to 18. Most of the victims were women and children.
Government Response
Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level inquiry into the causes of the tragedy. He also assured that additional special trains were being deployed from New Delhi to manage the overwhelming influx of devotees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident, stating:
“I am distressed by the stampede. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Delhi Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena confirmed that disaster management teams had been activated and that hospitals were on high alert to handle further emergencies.
A History of Deadly Crowd Surges
The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious event in the world, with over 500 million pilgrims having attended since it began last month.
Stampedes have long plagued the festival, with one of the deadliest occurring in 1954, when more than 400 people were either trampled or drowned in a single day—one of the worst crowd disasters in history.
Authorities continue to work to prevent further tragedies as the six-week-long pilgrimage nears its conclusion on February 26. Enhanced crowd control measures and increased rail services are now being implemented to ensure safer travel for millions of remaining devotees. — AFP
