A stampede-like situation broke out at the New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) late on Saturday evening, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Triggered by severe overcrowding, the incident claimed the lives of at least 15 persons, including three children, and left multiple persons injured, according to the chief casualty medical officer at the Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital in Delhi.
The incident occurred around 10 pm as thousands of devotees headed to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 had gathered to board their trains. It is not yet clear what triggered the stampede.
Officials said Delhi Fire Services received an emergency call and dispatched four fire tenders to the station. Ambulances were also sent to assist in the rescue efforts.
What led to the deadly chaos?
According to media reports, the main reason for the chaos was change in platforms for delayed trains for Maha Kumbh at the last moment which caused confusion and the crowd could not be managed. There was a rush to board the train as well as panic when passengers realised that not all of them would be able to get in.
When Prayagraj Express was standing at platform 14, many people were present at the platform, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra. Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present at platform 12,13 and 14, said Malhotra. "The crowd became uncontrollable. There was a stampede-like situation at platform 14 and near the escalator near platform 1," he added.
"...There was no one to control the crowd...It was announced that the train coming on platform number 12 will come on platform number 16. So the crowd came from both sides and a stampede occurred...some people were taken to the hospital..." says an eyewitness said to the news agency
ANI.
The Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a post on X that the situation at the station is now under control. Delhi Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have reached the spot and the injured have been taken to hospitals. Special trains are being run to tackle the sudden rush, he added.
"An unprecedented rush situation developed today at about 10 pm in New Delhi railway station near platforms 13 & 14. Some of the passengers present there on the platforms fainted due to this sudden rush further leading to the rumours of stampede-like situation. This led to the spread of panic. The situation was later controlled by easing the rush situation. Northern Railways immediately ran four special trains to evacuate the unprecedented sudden rush. Now rush has been reduced. In the meanwhile, the fainted & injured passengers have been taken to nearby hospitals by RPF & Delhi Police. A high level inquiry has been ordered by the Railways on the unfortunate incident," railway minister said.
Speaking to reporters, Delhi's caretaker CM and AAP leader Atishi said, "Those who lost their lives, their families have been informed. It's a sad incident. Our two MLAs are here. I have asked hospital management to let our MLAs know if any of the victim's families need any kind of help. 4-5 patients will be discharged soon... 15 people were brought dead to the LNJP hospital, and the same number of injured are also admitted here...Two of the bodies are yet to be identified."
Expressing his grief over the unfortunate incident, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena offered his condolences on the loss of lives, and said that he has ordered the authorities to take controlof the situation.
"There has been an unfortunate and tragic incident of loss of lives and injuries due to disorder & stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the families of victims of this tragedy. Have spoken to Chief Secretary (CS) & Police Commissioner and asked them to address and redress the situation," Saxena said in a post on X.
"CS has been asked to invoke DDMA measures & deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness to address related exegencies. Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures," the LG added, saying that he is monitoring the situation.
Multiple videos have surfaced showing a massive crowd of passengers rushing through the railway station -- some carrying children on their shoulders, while others struggle with their luggage amidst the chaos.
"Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy of the injured.", said Defence minister Rajnath Singh in his post on X.
 "New Delhi railway station")
 "RSS headquarters")
 "Senior citizens, ayushman bharat")
 "Parvesh Verma, BJP candidate from New Delhi")
 "Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal")
 "Book Fair")
 "Enforcement Directorate, ED")
 "Mohan Yadav, Mohan, MP CM")
 "Rishi Sunak, Rishi, UK PM")
 "Delhi Metro viral video")
 "Criminal in handcuffs")
