Abdelrahman
Tragic Stampede Claims Lives at New Delhi Railway Station During Hindu Festival
A devastating stampede occurred on Saturday at New Delhi’s primary railway station, resulting in the deaths of fifteen individuals. The incident happened as a large number of pilgrims were attempting to reach a significant Hindu festival in northern India, according to officials.
Atishi, the caretaker chief minister of Delhi, informed journalists outside a capital hospital that there were also reports of fifteen injuries related to the tragic event, as per local media outlets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences through a statement on social media, emphasizing that the government was providing support to all those affected by the tragic incident. Meanwhile, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister for railways, announced that a thorough investigation into the stampede had been initiated.
Reports indicate that the crowds at the railway station had swelled due to delays in train services heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, which contributed to the chaotic situation before the stampede occurred.
The Ministry of Railways released a statement indicating that concerns arose from a sudden influx of passengers, causing some to faint and sparking fears of a stampede, which in turn led to widespread panic among travelers. In response to the situation, extra trains were deployed to help manage the record-high passenger numbers. Furthermore, the ministry pledged compensation for those injured and the families of the victims.
The Kumbh Mela, recognized as the largest religious gathering globally, commenced in mid-January and is scheduled to conclude at the end of this month. Government estimates suggest that over 400 million devotees are expected to attend this year’s event, which is being celebrated in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers converge. Hindus hold that a third mythical river, the Saraswati, also merges here, creating a sacred confluence that devotees believe cleanses them of sins through ritual bathing.
This year’s Kumbh Mela is dubbed the Maha Kumbh, or Great Kumbh, due to its timing with a celestial alignment that occurs once every 144 years, making it a particularly significant event.
Catering to the enormous crowds that flock to the festival poses significant challenges for the Indian government. The safety of attendees has been a concern, as evidenced by a similar stampede last month that resulted in thirty fatalities. In 2013, during the prior Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a tragic stampede at the railway station led to the deaths of forty-two people, while another tragedy in Nasik saw thirty-nine devotees perish in 2003.
Historically, the Kumbh Mela has seen its share of tragedies; the first event following India’s independence in 1954 witnessed hundreds of pilgrims die in a stampede. The ongoing challenges highlight the need for continued safety measures to protect those attending this significant religious celebration.
