At least 18 people, including 14 women, were killed in a stampede at a railway station in New Delhi, India, on February 16, 2025. The victims were primarily Hindu pilgrims traveling to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, according to local authorities.
- 18 people killed in New Delhi stampede
- Victims were Hindu pilgrims for Maha Kumbh
- Confusion over train platform change caused chaos
- Prime Minister Modi expresses distress and condolences
- Investigation ordered by Railway Minister Vaishnaw
- Recent stampede at festival killed 30 people
The stampede occurred late on Saturday as thousands waited to board trains. Authorities reported that the chaos began when some passengers slipped while descending a footbridge connecting train platforms. Eyewitnesses described the scene as uncontrollable, with one shopkeeper stating that the crowd surged without any management.
Many of those affected were on pilgrimage to the Maha Kumbh festival, a significant Hindu event that draws millions. In a previous incident at the festival last month, at least 30 people died in another stampede, highlighting ongoing concerns about crowd management during large gatherings.
- 18 fatalities confirmed, including 14 women.
- Incident linked to confusion over train platform announcements.
- Previous stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival resulted in 30 deaths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident and extended condolences to the victims’ families. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that an investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the stampede, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures in crowded environments.
This tragic event underscores the critical need for effective crowd control measures at major public gatherings to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of all attendees.
