At least 18 people were killed in a chaotic stampede at New Delhi’s busiest railway station late Saturday, as thousands gathered to travel to the Maha Kumbh festival in northern India. Officials confirmed the incident occurred amid overcrowding, marking one of the deadliest public safety failures in the city this year.
What Happened?
Witnesses described a frantic rush as crowds swelled ahead of trains departing for the Hindu religious gathering, which attracts millions of devotees. Emergency services struggled to manage the surge, with 40 others reported injured. Authorities are investigating whether infrastructure limitations or crowd control gaps contributed to the tragedy.
Festival Draws Millions
The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, is among the world’s largest religious events. Over 200 million visitors are expected during its 48-day run, raising concerns about overcrowding and safety protocols. This incident echoes a 2013 stampede during the same festival that claimed 36 lives.
Safety Under Scrutiny
India’s railway system, already strained by daily passenger volumes exceeding 25 million, faces renewed criticism. Urban planners urge investments in crowd management tech and infrastructure upgrades to prevent future crises. For travelers and digital nomads, the tragedy underscores risks at major global events – and the need for proactive safety measures.
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Stampede kills at least 18 people at New Delhi train station
cgtn.com