Tragic Stampede in India’s Capital Leaves 18 Dead

The stampede was set off by a massive throng of passengers trying to board the Prayagraj Express, which was heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj (previously known as Allahabad) located in Uttar Pradesh’s northern region. According to NDTV, this incident took place around 8 p.m. local time. Delays involving two additional trains exacerbated congestion across several platforms, resulting in an unmanageable situation, according to Delhi Police reports.

The stampede was set off by a massive throng of passengers trying to board the Prayagraj Express, which was heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj (previously known as Allahabad) located in Uttar Pradesh’s northern region. According to NDTV, this incident took place around 8 p.m. local time. Delays involving two additional trains exacerbated congestion across several platforms, resulting in an unmanageable situation, according to Delhi Police reports.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences regarding the incident, stating that he was saddened by the stampede at New Delhi railway station. He expressed sympathy for those who lost loved ones and wished for a swift recovery of the injured. He mentioned on X (previously Twitter) that authorities are providing assistance to all affected by this tragedy.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the situation is currently under control. He stated that the Railway Protection Force and Delhi Police are diligently handling the aftermath of the tragedy. Expressing his condolences, he mentioned, “The whole team is committed to supporting all those impacted by this tragic incident.”

This tragedy occurred merely two weeks following a similar incident at the Maha Kumbh festival site, resulting in 30 fatalities and injuring 90 others. The six-week-long event features ritual bathing at the intersection of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. It has already drawn over 510 million participants, including India’s prime minister along with key cabinet members, notable celebrities, and business leaders.

The festival has a history of similar incidents. In 1954, during the first Maha Kumbh Mela held post-India’s independence from Britain, nearly 800 people tragically lost their lives due to being trampled or drowning in the river following a stampede.

In 1986, a tragic stampede occurred during the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, resulting in the loss of at least 200 lives.

In 2003, a stampede occurred in Nashik, Maharashtra, as pilgrims rushed to the Godavari River for a dip during the Kumbh Mela. This tragic event led to 41 deaths and left over 100 people injured. A decade later, at the most recent festival of its kind held in Prayagraj in 2013, another stampede claimed 42 lives and resulted in injuries to an additional 45 individuals.

The Maha Kumbh festival is set to run until February 26, with millions of additional pilgrims anticipated to participate. Officials are encouraging attendees to stay alert and adhere to safety protocols for their well-being throughout the event.