NEW DELHI — A tragic incident occurred at a railway station in New Delhi, India, resulting in the loss of at least 18 lives, including 14 women, according to the Press Trust of India on Sunday.

Many of the deceased were Hindu pilgrims heading to the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, as noted by Delhi’s caretaker Chief Minister, Atishi.

The stampede unfolded late Saturday as thousands of individuals waited to board a train at the New Delhi railway station. Authorities indicated that the chaos ensued when several passengers fell while descending a footbridge connecting the train platforms.

Sheela Devi, who was at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital to collect her daughter-in-law’s remains, informed that an announcement regarding a train platform change led to confusion, which triggered the stampede.

“The crowd became uncontrollable, and no one could manage it,” recounted Nikhil Kumar, a witness and local shopkeeper.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, “I am distressed by the stampede. My thoughts are with all those who have lost relatives. I hope for a swift recovery for the injured. Authorities are providing assistance to those impacted.”

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an investigation to determine the cause of the stampede.

This incident follows another stampede last month during the ongoing six-week festival, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people as millions of Hindus gathered to bathe in the sacred river waters.