New Delhi, India – February 17, 2025: Chaos and panic gripped New Delhi Railway Station on Monday as a massive stampede broke out at one of the busiest terminals in the country. The tragic incident, which occurred during peak hours, has left at least 10 dead and several others injured. Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes of people crying for help while others lay motionless on the platform.

The Incident

The stampede took place at Platform 16, where passengers were rushing to board an overcrowded long-distance train. According to railway officials, the situation escalated when an abrupt announcement led to confusion among travelers, causing a sudden surge of passengers towards the train. With limited space and no immediate intervention, people began pushing against each other, leading to a fatal crush.

“I was standing near the entrance when suddenly I heard screams,” recalled Ramesh Kumar, a vendor at the station. “People were running in all directions, some fell down, and others stepped over them in panic. It was absolute chaos.”

Eyewitness Accounts

Several survivors narrated their terrifying experiences. “I saw people falling one over the other. I tried to pull a woman up, but I was pushed back by the crowd,” said Priya Sharma, who had arrived at the station to see off her brother. “The screams were unbearable. People were begging for help, but there was no way to move.”

Another eyewitness, Rajeev Mehta, described the heartbreaking moment he saw bodies lying on the platform. “There were children separated from their parents, luggage scattered everywhere, and people desperately trying to reach their loved ones. It was a nightmare.”

Rescue and Response

Railway Protection Force (RPF) and emergency teams were deployed immediately to manage the situation. However, by the time authorities arrived, several passengers had already suffered severe injuries. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, where doctors confirmed multiple cases of asphyxiation and trauma.

“We are doing our best to treat the injured,” said Dr. Anjali Verma from the city hospital. “Many victims suffered fractures and bruises, while others are in critical condition due to suffocation.”
 

Government Reaction and Investigation

The Indian Railways has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident, with officials trying to determine the exact cause of the stampede. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured strict action against any lapses in crowd management.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event,” he said in a statement. “An inquiry is underway, and we will take necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”

Opposition leaders criticized the railway authorities for their failure to manage passenger safety. “This is not the first time a stampede has occurred at a railway station. There needs to be better crowd control and more exits to avoid such tragedies,” said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Past Stampede Incidents in India

India has witnessed multiple stampedes in crowded areas, especially at railway stations and religious gatherings. In 2017, a stampede at Mumbai’s Elphinstone Road station killed 23 people, highlighting the dangers of overcrowding and lack of infrastructure. Similarly, the 2010 Allahabad Kumbh Mela stampede claimed over 30 lives.

Safety Concerns and Future Precautions

Following the latest tragedy, experts have called for urgent reforms in railway station management. Suggestions include real-time crowd monitoring, better signage, and dedicated staff to control the movement of passengers.

“Railway stations should have clear guidelines for passenger movement,” said transport analyst Sudhir Mishra. “There should be restrictions on the number of people allowed on platforms, and proper barricading should be installed to prevent overcrowding.”

For now, as investigations continue, the families of the victims await justice, hoping that no one else has to suffer the same fate at one of India’s busiest transportation hubs.