New Delhi Railway Station stampede: Heavy load falling on passenger’s head sparks chaos, claiming 18 lives


New Delhi Railway Station stampede: The report specifies that the stampede was restricted to the stairway linking platforms 14 and 15 and didn’t lengthen past that space throughout the station.

New Delhi:

A high-level committee investigating the devastating stampede at New Delhi railway station on February 15 has submitted its findings, revealing the foundation reason behind the tragedy that led to the deaths of 18 folks. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared the report’s conclusions throughout a session within the Rajya Sabha, shedding gentle on what triggered the panic.

The incident: When a falling load triggered panic

In response to the report, the stampede occurred round 8:48 pm on the stairway of Foot Over Bridge-3, which connects platforms 14 and 15. At the moment, a big crowd of pilgrims was gathered on the station, ready to board trains certain for Prayagraj. Many passengers have been carrying heavy, cumbersome baggage on their heads whereas attempting to navigate the crowded stairway.

Abruptly, a bit of heavy baggage slipped and fell from a passenger’s head, inflicting speedy confusion and misery. This triggered a sudden surge and strain on the slim stairway, leading to folks dropping stability and falling over one another, which escalated right into a tragic stampede.

Crowd dynamics and placement limits

The report clarifies that the chaos remained confined to the stairway connecting platforms 14 and 15 and didn’t unfold additional throughout the station. Nonetheless, the crowded situations, mixed with passengers carrying heavy masses, created an surroundings the place a single accident shortly led to panic and lack of management.

Context and penalties

On the time of the incident, the station was closely crowded with pilgrims travelling for spiritual functions, additional complicating motion. This tragic occasion highlights the challenges of managing giant crowds with restricted infrastructure and the hazards posed when baggage and passenger security are compromised.

Steps ahead

Officers have emphasised the necessity for improved crowd administration, higher monitoring of passenger masses, and enhanced security protocols on platforms and footbridges to stop such disasters sooner or later. The findings from this high-level inquiry will information coverage modifications and operational enhancements at main railway hubs throughout India.