New Delhi Railway Station Stampede: Death Toll Rises To 18, Feared To Increase Further

The death toll due to stampede at New Delhi Railway Station which occurred on Saturday night (February 15) has risen to 18. Many others have been injured and are receiving medical care. The incident took place around 10 pm on Saturday when thousands of devotees wanting to travel to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025 gathered at the station causing severe overcrowding.

President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took cognizance of the tragedy despite lateness of the hour. Authorities soon mobilized resources after the stampede to help those in distress. The injured were taken to hospitals. It is feared that the death toll could rise further.

The names of the deceased include:

1. Aha Devi (79)

2. Pinki Devi (41)

3. Sheela Devi (50)

4. Vayom (25)

5. Poonam Devi (40)

6. Lalita Devi (35)

7. Suruchi (11)

8. Krishna Devi (40)

9. Vijay Sah (15)

10. Neeraj (12)

11. Shanti Devi (40)

12. Pooja (8)

13. Sangeeta Malik (34)

14. Poonam (34)

15. Mamata Jha (40)

16. Riya Singh (7)

17. Baby Kumari (24)

18. Manoj (47)

News agency ANI quoted an Indian Air Force Sergeant, an eyewitness, who said that crowd remained unmanageable despite appeals to people to avoid gathering in large numbers at the station.

"We have a tri-service office at the railway station. When I was returning after my duty, I couldn't go due to the huge crowd... I tried to convince people and also made announcements appealing to avoid gathering on the platform in large numbers. The administration was working hard to prevent any mishap, but no one was listening... I also helped the injured people with the help of one of my friends," said Sergeant Ajit who was quoted by ANI.

"The crowd was beyond control, people were gathered at the foot over bridge... Such a huge crowd wasn't expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during festivals. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn't possible to control them," ANI quoted another eyewitness as saying.

Caretaker Delhi Chief Minister Atishi rushed to New Delhi station.

It has also been reported that delay in train departures and sale of 1500 general tickets made the situation worse.

"The crowd was beyond control, people were gathered at the foot over bridge... Such a huge crowd wasn't expected. I have never seen such a massive crowd at the railway station, even during festivals. People from the administration and even NDRF personnel were there, but when the crowd exceeded the limit, it wasn't possible to control them," said an eyewitness, as quoted by ANI.