What actually caused stampede at New Delhi Railway Station killing 18 people

At least 18 people were killed and several others sustained injuries in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday. The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain (LNJP) Hospital for treatment. In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to probe the incident. 
 

"Distressed by the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured have a speedy recovery. The authorities are assisting all those who have been affected by this stampede," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What Caused New Delhi Railway Station Stampede:

The incident reportedly caused due to a sudden rush of passengers who tried to board trains for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident took place when a massive crowd gathered on platform 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. 

Reportedly, the congestion intensified due to delays in the departures of two trains- the Swatantrata Senani Express and the Bhubaneswar Rajdhani. This delay is believed to have affected passengers’ movement at platforms 12, 13, and 14. Besides, reports are also there that around 1,500 general tickets were sold, which means a huge crowd was already anticipated at the station.

The situation further deteriorated near Platform 14 and the escalator at Platform 1, as the delayed trains for the Maha Kumbh led to an overcrowding situation at the New Delhi railway station and later the tragic stampede occurred. 

Stampede At Delhi Railway Station Update:

Sharing update on the incident, Delhi LG VK Saxena said, "Those injured are receiving treatment at the hospital. Delhi police are at the railway station. Trains movements are normal now. The situation is under control..."

DCP Railway KPS Malhotra said, "...We have expected the crowd, but it all happened in a fraction of time, and hence this situation occurred. The fact-finding will be done by the Railways... After inquiry, we will get to know the reason behind the incident..."