Delhi Stampede:On the evening of February 15, 2025, a tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station resulted in the death of at least 18 people, including 14 women and several children. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when a surge of passengers, confused by a mix-up in train announcements, rushed towards platform 16 via a narrow stairway. Trapped between those trying to move up and others trying to descend, the crowd turned into a human bottleneck, leading to a horrifying crush.
Delhi Stampede:Immediate Response and Investigation
In the immediate aftermath of the stampede, the Delhi Fire Service received an emergency call and deployed four fire tenders to the station. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and Delhi Police officials assisted in evacuating injured and fainted passengers, who were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident, stating that his thoughts were with those who had lost their loved ones and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Delhi Police have launched an investigation into the stampede, analyzing CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has ordered an inquiry to find out what led to the stampede.
Security Measures Enhanced
A day after the stampede, tight security measures have been implemented at New Delhi Railway Station to prevent further incidents. Delhi Police, along with Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP), have deployed additional personnel to manage the rush at the station. The security measures include:
- Deployment of Paramilitary Forces: Eight companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed at the station.
- Metro Police and CISF: A company of 80 Metro Police personnel and a CISF company have also been deployed.
- Barricades and Enhanced Patrolling: Barricades have been set up, patrolling has been intensified, and quick reaction teams have been deployed to prevent any further incidents.
- CCTV Surveillance: CCTV surveillance has been enhanced, with control rooms monitoring real-time footage for crowd control.
- Guidance Announcements: Announcements are being made to guide commuters and avoid panic situations.
Continued Passenger Influx and Challenges
Despite the enhanced security measures, the station remained overcrowded on February 16, with thousands of passengers struggling to board trains amid heavy rush. The congestion was largely unchanged, with thousands still jostling for space on platforms and foot-over bridges. The authorities are working to manage the crowd and ensure safety amid the continued influx of passengers.
The tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has highlighted the need for better crowd management and security measures at major railway stations, especially during peak travel seasons and religious festivals.
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