New -Delhi: The tragic stampede at the Neu -Delhi train station on Saturday evening asked at least 18 lives with the possibility of more deaths, as some eyewitnesses indicate that the actual toll could be higher.
The incident occurred between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. on platforms 13 and 14, mainly due to a strong overcrowding when thousands of Maha Kumbh fans plunged into their trains.
Several others remain injured, with patients being treated in the LNJP hospital and AIIMs. The incident occurred between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. on platforms 13 and 14, mainly due to a strong overcrowding when thousands of Maha Kumbh fans plunged into their trains.
Eyewitness accounts: panic and delayed reaction
Survivors and spectators described scenes of horror and despair, as the crowd swelled uncontrollably.
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Nitu Sharma, who lost her sister -in -law in the tragedy, told Fii about the terrible experience:
‘Thirteen members of our family were on the way to Prayagraj. We were on the stairs when a sudden thrust from the crowd stumbled to the platform. We were caught within moments when the crowd bumped over us. There were no civil servants or police to control the situation. Somehow I managed to flee with my two daughters. We waited and hoped that my sister-in-law would find her way back to us, but when she did it, we returned to search for her to find that she had not survived. ‘
A Porter, Ram Singh (name changed) who has been working at the train station since 1997 described the chaos as an unprecedented:
‘I have never seen anything like this in all my years as a coolie. The platforms 12, 13, 14 and 15 were completely packed, whereby people can hardly move. After the stampede we stormed in to help and wear at least 30 people – some on carts, some in our arms and some on our shoulders. Many were unconscious while others were in a critical condition. Everything had been cleared within two hours, but the devastation remained. ‘
‘I have never seen anything like this in all my years as a coolie. The platforms 12, 13, 14 and 15 were completely packed, with people who can hardly move. ‘
–Ram Singh (name changed), Porter
Another Porter, Kamran (name changed), claimed that a misleading announcement triggered the chaos:
‘The Stampede occurred due to an incorrect announcement. Around 1,000 people suddenly hurried from platform 13 towards Platform 16, creating panic and led to the tragedy. The official figures do not reflect reality – there were far more victims than the 18th. ‘
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In the meantime, access to the LNJP hospital, in which many victims have been approved, remains limited. Police barricades were placed outside and media staff were not allowed to occur.
What led to the Stampede?
The authorities initially connected the incident with overcrowding and training delays. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northern Railway, but provided another report.
At the time of the incident, Magadh Express (towards Patna) was on platform 14, and Uttar Sampark Kranti (towards Jammu) was on the platform 15. A passenger slipped onto the stairs, which triggered a chain reaction than the people behind lost his balance. leads to the Stampede. A high -ranking committee examines the incident. No trains were canceled, nor was there a change in the platform orders. The situation is now normal and all trains drive on time, ”he said.
Remuneration announced
The Indian railways have announced financial help for the victims:
– £ 10 Lakh for the families of the deceased
– £ 2.5 Lakh for seriously injured
– £ 1 LAKH for people with minor injuries
Political reactions: Rahul Gandhi calls the stampede a failure of the system.
Condolate from political leaders, with the congress manager Rahul Gandhi describing the incident as “extremely sad” and “disturbing”.
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He criticized the handling of the government with railway security. Indication:
»In view of the large number of supporters who go to Prayagraj, better precautions should have been taken at the train station. The government and administration must ensure that nobody loses their lives due to mismanagement and negligence. ‘
Official reactions to Delhi Stampede station
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnawe specified ‘I am deeply sad about the tragic stampede at the Neu -Delhi train station. My prayers are among the families of the victims. Our team is working on supporting those affected. ‘
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said‘I am concerned with The Stampede at the Neu -Delhi train station. My thoughts are among the survivors and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured. The authorities provide all the necessary help. ‘
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said‘I am concerned with The Stampede at the Neu -Delhi train station. My thoughts are among the survivors and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured. The authorities provide all the necessary help. ‘
Another shocking step of government officials
After the tragic stampede at the Neu -Delhi train station, which was killed at least 18 people, families of the victims reported Preserving ex-gratia compensation from the railway authorities in cash in the early morning hours before any public announcement. Relatives told in various hospitals from 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. in RS 5 Lakh up to 10 Lakh.
Photo by author
Dharmendra Tiwari, additional general director of the Press Information Bureau, who monitors the Railways Ministry, said that the official announcement of the EX-Gratia was created at 11 a.m., the payment procedure earned earlier to accelerate the support of the families concerned. This sequence of events has raised questions at the time and the transparency of the remuneration distribution.
