**Families of victims share their harrowing experiences as the community mourns and questions arise about safety measures in public transport.**
**Tragedy Strikes at New Delhi Railway Station: Families Grieve After Stampede**
**Tragedy Strikes at New Delhi Railway Station: Families Grieve After Stampede**
**A deadly crush during a crowded evening at New Delhi's railway station claims 18 lives, prompting calls for accountability and an investigation.**
On a bustling Saturday night, tragedy struck New Delhi Railway Station as a deadly stampede claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals, leaving many more injured. This incident unfolded as crowds gathered, exacerbated by delayed trains and the anticipation of the Kumbh Mela, a massive Hindu festival in Prayagraj. According to an Indian Railways spokesperson, the chaos erupted after a passenger fell, leading to a cascading effect as people pushed against one another.
Witnesses and families of the victims expressed their outrage towards railway officials, claiming that inadequate crowd control measures contributed to the disaster. An internal investigation is currently underway, while the government has pledged compensation to the families affected. Pankaj Gangwar, the Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Northern Railway, emphasized that the ongoing investigation needs to be completed before drawing conclusions.
Overcrowding incidents have been a significant concern in India, especially during major public gatherings. Just a month prior, a crush during the Kumbh Mela resulted in 30 fatalities, highlighting the recurring nature of such tragedies. The economic nature of train travel makes it a popular choice, often leading to extreme overcapacity on platforms and trains.
Families shared their grief and frustrations, recounting heartbreaking tales of loss and negligence. Bipin Jha described witnessing his wife Mamta’s death as they traversed the overhead bridge, expressing regret over his inability to save her. Similarly, Seema recounted feeling the force of the crowd as people fell on top of each other. Umesh Giri, who also lost his wife Shilam Devi, described the scene as chaotic and uncontrollable.
At Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, where many victims were taken, relatives echoed their distress over hospital conditions and the lack of proper assistance. Witnesses reported overcrowding in wards, raising additional concerns about the management of healthcare in the aftermath of the incident. Amidst the anguish, families emphasized their sorrow, with one uncle lamenting the tragic death of a child named Riya, stating, "No child deserves to die like this."
As authorities investigate the causes of this latest tragedy, the question of how to ensure the safety of passengers in overcrowded spaces remains paramount.
