Tragic stampede at New Delhi railway station claims 16 lives, PM Modi mourns loss

Delhi: A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 16 people dead, including two children, and injured 10 others. The incident, which unfolded near platforms 13 and 14 at approximately 9:30 PM, was triggered by overcrowding due to delayed trains. Rescue operations were swiftly launched as emergency teams rushed to the scene to provide aid.

PM Modi, top leaders react to the tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the devastating incident. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede.”

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also shared his condolences, stating, “The loss of life in the accident at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad and heart-breaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow, and speedy recovery to the injured.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his anguish, saying, "Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to the stampede on the railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Massive crowds led to chaos

According to an official press release from the Railway Ministry, the stampede occurred due to an overwhelming influx of passengers following multiple train delays. Witnesses reported extreme congestion, with several people fainting amid the suffocating crowd.

Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg confirmed that four fire tenders, along with police teams, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, and ambulances, were immediately dispatched to manage the crisis. Northern Railways has deployed four special trains to help clear the congestion, with more expected to follow.

Government ensures crisis management

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured the public that authorities were actively handling the situation. “Deeply saddened by the unfortunate stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident,” he posted on X. The railway authorities have since taken measures to ease overcrowding and prevent further chaos at the station.