Death toll rises in stampede at Delhi railway station, Rs 10 lakh compensation to kin of dead

NEW DELHI: The death toll in the stampede at the New Delhi railway station to board special trains for the Maha Kumbh Mela has risen to 18. 11 women, three men and four children have reportedly died. More than 50 people have been injured. Many of them are in a critical condition. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said the situation is under control.

The railways have ordered an inquiry and announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh for the victims' families, Rs 2.5 lakh for the severely injured and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries.
The accident happened last night at around 10 pm. Thousands of pilgrims had reached the station at night to board the Prayagraj Express. This train was supposed to depart from platform 14. Meanwhile, the Swatantra Senani and Bhubaneswar Rajthani Expresses, which were supposed to arrive at platforms 12 and 13, were delayed. This witnessed a huge crowd on all three platforms and led to the stampede.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the tragedy. The Prime Minister said that he is with those who have lost their loved ones and that the authorities are ensuring all possible assistance. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also said that he spoke to the railway minister. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Delhi Lt. Governor V K Saxena has directed that an immediate investigation be conducted into the incident. The chief secretary and the commissioner have been asked to take immediate action.

Additional security personnel have been deployed at the station. More train services will be started to reduce the rush of pilgrims.