At least 15 people have died in a crowd crush at a railway station in New Delhi on February 16, 2025. The incident occurred as large crowds attempted to board trains heading to the Kumbh Mela, a significant Hindu religious gathering taking place in Prayagraj. The event is expected to attract millions of devotees over its six-week duration.
- 15 people died in New Delhi railway crush.
- Kumbh Mela attracts millions every 12 years.
- Recent crowd disaster resulted in 30 deaths.
- Injuries primarily orthopedic; most stable.
- Prime Minister expresses condolences and support.
- Historical crowd disasters at Kumbh Mela noted.
The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, drawing tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims. The ongoing event in Prayagraj has already seen about 500 million visitors since its commencement last month. This year’s festival has a history of crowd-related disasters, with a recent incident last month claiming at least 30 lives due to a similar crush.
During the crush at the New Delhi station, local media reported that the death toll included 10 women and three children. Dr. Ritu Saxena, deputy medical superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital, stated that the deceased likely died from hypoxia or blunt injuries, with further confirmation pending autopsy results. Additionally, 11 people sustained injuries, most of whom are reported to be stable.
In response to the tragedy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences on social media, offering prayers for the victims and their families. The Indian government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, with authorities confirming that the situation is now under control. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that special trains would be deployed to manage the surge of devotees traveling to the Kumbh Mela, which concludes on February 26.
This tragic event underscores the challenges of managing large crowds during significant religious events. As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on improving safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
