New Delhi Stampede / 18 people including 14 women died in stampede at railway station, compensation announced

New Delhi Stampede: 18 people, including 14 women, died in a tragic accident at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night, while many others were injured. The injured were admitted to Lok Nayak Jaiprakash (LNJP) Hospital for immediate treatment. The accident took place at around 10 pm on platform number 14 and 15.

How did the accident happen?

It is said that the crowd at the station suddenly increased, causing a stampede. Most of the passengers were going to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh bath. This unexpected crowd and chaotic situation led to this terrible incident.

Government response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the accident and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. Also, a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the incident. President Draupadi Murmu, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the accident.

List of the dead

The deceased include residents of Bihar, Delhi and Haryana. These include a large number of elderly, women and children.

Compensation announced

The government has announced compensation for the victims of the accident:

Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased

Rs 2.5 lakh to the seriously injured

Rs 1 lakh to the minor injured

Political reactions

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the accident as a failure of the railway administration and the insensitivity of the government. He demanded the government to ensure better arrangements. Priyanka Gandhi also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Railway's side

The railway administration rejected reports claiming that the platforms of trains were changed at the last moment, leading to a stampede. The railway clarified that the platform of any train was not changed and the information being spread on social media is incorrect.

Security tightened

After the incident, security has been increased at other major railway stations including Prayagraj Junction. Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other agencies have been instructed to ensure crowd control and security.

Conclusion

This tragic incident at New Delhi Railway Station is a serious warning to the railway administration and the government. This accident shows that there are still many shortcomings in crowd control and security management. Learning lessons from this incident, the railways and the administration need to take effective steps to prevent such tragedies in future.