CROWD CRUSH AT NEW DELHI RAILWAY STATION KILLS AT LEAST 15, INJURES OTHERS

A devastating crowd crush at a New Delhi railway station on Saturday has left at least 15 people dead, including 10 women and three children. The tragedy occurred as passengers attempted to board trains heading to the Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering, in the Indian city of Prayagraj.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Delhi Police KPS Malhotra, the crush took place late Saturday night due to delays in two train services and an influx of passengers, leading to overcrowding. “The situation went out of control for a brief spell of 10 to 15 minutes,” Malhotra said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the latest deaths, saying, “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected.”

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways of India, also conveyed his condolences, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate crowd crush. My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. The entire team is working to assist all those who have been affected by this tragic incident.”
Vaishnaw added that four trains had been used to evacuate people from the station, and police were on the scene, with the situation now under control.

This tragic incident comes just weeks after dozens of people were killed in a crowd crush at the Maha Kumbh Mela gathering itself. The festival, considered the world’s largest peaceful gathering of people, is expected to attract over 400 million attendees over six weeks.