New Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Mallikarjun Kharge Extend Condolences On Deaths

At least 15 people were injured while fatalities are also feared after a stampede-like situation broke out at the New Delhi railway station late on Saturday evening, triggering a chaos on platform numbers 14 and 15, officials said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena said lives were lost in the incident.

LG Saxena said there was an unfortunate and tragic incident of "loss of lives and injuries" due to "disorder and stampede" at the station. Official sources at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain (LNJP) Hospital said around 10-12 patients were brought to the facility.

"A few fatalities have also been reported though the exact number is yet to be confirmed. Most of the patients have sustained injuries requiring surgery or orthopaedic treatment," one of the sources told PTI.

Eyewitnesses said due to a huge rush at the station, several passengers got fainted because of suffocation. In an official statement, the deputy commissioner of police (railway) said many people were present on platform number 14 when the Prayagraj Express train was standing at the platform. The officer further said the Swantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani Express were delayed and the passengers of these trains were also present on platform numbers 12, 13 and 14. "As per CMI, every hour 1,500 general tickets were sold by railways due to which the station got overcrowded and became uncontrollable. There was a stampede at platform no. 14 and near escalator near platform no. 16," the DCP said.

The incident occurred around 9:55 pm, prompting an emergency response.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted on the incident stating: "Spoke to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav ji and other concerned officials regarding the accident at New Delhi Railway Station. Spoke to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi and Delhi Police Commissioner and instructed to provide all possible help to everyone. I express my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident. The injured are being given all possible treatment. I wish them a speedy recovery."

Union Minister Rajnath Singh said, "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."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in a post in Hindi, on X, said, "The news of many people dying in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad. The videos coming from the station are extremely heartbreaking. The attempt by the Narendra Modi government to hide the truth in the case of deaths at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely shameful and condemnable. We demand that the number of dead and injured be declared as soon as possible and the identity of the missing people should also be ensured. Our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. The injured should be provided with immediate medical treatment."

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. A large crowd gathered outside the railway station, causing traffic congestion. Traffic police personnel were deployed to manage and clear the situation near the Montrose Bridge.