In a heartbreaking tragedy, at least 15 people have been killed and 11 others injured in a deadly stampede at the New Delhi railway station on Saturday. The crush occurred as massive crowds jostled on the platforms, frantically trying to board trains heading to the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering.
Chaos Erupts as Crowds Scramble for Trains
Eyewitness reports paint a harrowing picture of the scene at the bustling transit hub. As thousands of travelers crammed onto the platforms, a sudden rush to board the outgoing trains sparked panic and chaos. In the ensuing melee, people were trampled underfoot as the crowds surged uncontrollably, leaving a trail of bodies and injured victims in its wake.
“It was complete mayhem. People were screaming and shoving each other violently to get on the trains. I saw several people fall down and get trampled. It was a horrific sight.”
– Manoj Kumar, eyewitness at the station
Hospitals Overwhelmed With Casualties
The injured were rushed to local hospitals, which were soon overwhelmed by the influx of critical patients. Doctors at Lok Nayak Hospital confirmed receiving at least 15 bodies, most showing signs of asphyxiation and crush injuries rather than visible wounds. Another 11 victims remain hospitalized, some with severe orthopedic trauma from being trampled by the rampaging crowd.
“Most of the deceased likely died from hypoxia and pressure on their chests that prevented breathing. It’s absolutely devastating. The injured are badly hurt but stable now.”
– Dr. Ritu Saxena, Lok Nayak Hospital
Authorities Scramble to Respond
As news of the tragedy spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media and vowed that authorities would provide all possible assistance to the victims and their families. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced additional trains would be deployed to help clear the crowds of Kumbh Mela attendees still thronging the station.
- Disaster response teams activated to support victims
- Hospitals on high alert to treat the injured
- Additional trains deployed to ease overcrowding
Deadly History of Kumbh Mela Crushes
Sadly, lethal stampedes are a tragic yet recurring feature of the Kumbh Mela celebrations, which attract tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims every 12 years. In 1954, over 500 attendees died in a panic at the festival. More recently, at least 36 people were killed in a similar railway station crush during the 2013 Kumbh Mela.
| Year | Location | Deaths |
| 1954 | Kumbh Mela | 500+ |
| 2013 | Railway Station | 36 |
| 2025 | Railway Station | 15 |
The tragic loss of life in this latest disaster raises urgent questions about crowd control measures and safety standards at India’s often overcrowded public transit facilities. While the Kumbh Mela is a time of great spiritual significance, no one should have to risk their lives in the chaos of a deadly stampede. Authorities must take action to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future as millions of devotees return home in the coming days.
