New Delhi, Feb 16: The majority of the bodies brought to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in the national capital following the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station were found to have injuries to their chest and abdomen, with asphyxia being the likely cause of death, hospital sources reported.
Dr. Ajay Shukla, the Medical Superintendent of RML Hospital, confirmed the arrival of five bodies: one male, aged 25, and four females—three in their thirties and one aged 70. Four of the bodies have already been returned to their families.
At Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital (LNJP), it was reported that most of the injured victims from the stampede sustained injuries to their lower limbs, while others had fractures. All the injured admitted to LNJP have been discharged after receiving primary treatment. A team of 15 doctors is currently caring for the patients.
The tragic stampede occurred on Saturday night at New Delhi Railway Station, resulting in 18 fatalities. The incident took place around 10 pm when a large number of devotees, heading to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh 2025 festival, overcrowded the station. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the stampede began when a large crowd gathered on platform 14 where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Further congestion occurred at platforms 12, 13, and 14 due to delays in the departures of the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani.
Eyewitnesses described the chaotic scene. One stated that the stampede occurred after an announcement changed the platform of a train, causing crowds to rush from both sides. "There was no one to control the crowd… It was announced that the train on platform number 12 would now arrive on platform number 16. The crowd came from both sides, leading to the stampede. Some people were taken to the hospital," the witness recounted.
Another eyewitness described the overwhelming situation, saying, “The crowd was beyond control; people were gathered at the foot over the bridge. I’ve never seen such a massive crowd at the station, even during festivals. People from the administration and NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it was impossible to manage.”
In response to the tragedy, Indian Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Additionally, Rs 2.5 lakh will be provided to those seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
(With agency inputs)
