At least 18 individuals, including 14 women, have tragically lost their lives in a stampede at a railway station in New Delhi, India’s capital, reported the Press Trust of India on Sunday.

The majority of the deceased were Hindu pilgrims heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, located in northern India, according to Delhi’s caretaker Chief Minister, Atishi, who is known by her single name.

The tragedy unfolded late Saturday as thousands of passengers converged at the New Delhi railway station, eager to catch their trains. Authorities explain that the chaos erupted when several individuals slipped and fell while descending a footbridge linking train platforms.

Sheela Devi, present at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital to collect her daughter-in-law’s remains, remarked that an announcement regarding a platform change caused confusion, contributing to the stampede.

“The crowd spiraled out of control, and no one could manage it,” described Nikhil Kumar, a local shopkeeper who witnessed the upheaval.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating he was “deeply pained by the stampede.”

“My thoughts are with all those mourning the loss of their loved ones. I wish a swift recovery to those injured. Authorities are providing support to everyone affected by this tragedy,” he shared on social media platform X.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that an inquiry has been initiated to determine the factors that led to the stampede.

Notably, at least 30 individuals perished in a previous stampede during the same six-week festival last month as millions of Hindus congregated for sacred rituals.