Deadly Stampede at New Delhi Railway Station: Unlikely That Israeli Tourists Are Among Victims
Concerns Over Israeli Tourists
A tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station has left at least 15 people dead and many others injured. While it is not yet known if any Israeli tourists are among the victims, reports from India suggest that it is highly unlikely that Israelis were involved in the incident. Given the timing of the event, during the Maha Kumbh festival season, many young Israeli travelers visit India, but no evidence has emerged to indicate that Israeli nationals were among those affected by this disaster.
The potential presence of Israeli tourists at the station is significant, as Prayagraj—a key destination for many visiting the festival—has seen an influx of international visitors.
Chaos on Platforms 14 and 15
The stampede occurred at approximately 20:00 local time as passengers anxiously awaited trains bound for Prayagraj. The incident unfolded on Platforms 14 and 15 as a surge of travelers attempted to board.
Security Forces Deployed Amidst Rising Panic
In response to the mayhem, additional security personnel were rapidly deployed to the scene in an effort to regain control. Four fire engines were also dispatched. Indian Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reassured the public, stating that the situation was now under control.
“The situation at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is under control. Delhi Police and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have arrived. The injured have been taken to hospital. Special trains are running to ease the sudden rush,” the minister announced on X (formerly Twitter).
Officials Dismiss Claims of Train-Related Casualties
Railway authorities have urged the public to disregard unfounded rumours that the incident was caused by an oncoming train. However, conflicting reports have emerged. Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have both acknowledged fatalities, characterising the disaster as a stampede.
“A tragic and unfortunate event of loss of life and injuries due to disorder and a stampede occurred at New Delhi Railway Station. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families of this tragedy. I have spoken with the Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Police, urging them to assess and address the situation,” Saxena posted on X.
“The Chief Secretary has been instructed to implement Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) measures and deploy an assistance team. All hospitals are on standby. I have directed both the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police to be on-site and take full control of relief operations. I am continuously monitoring the situation,” he added.
Saxena later edited his statement, removing references to fatalities and the term ‘stampede’.
Meanwhile, Singh expressed his anguish, writing, “Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am deeply pained by the loss of human life due to the stampede on the platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the swift recovery of the injured.”
Disturbing Scenes as Crowds Surge
Video footage from the station depicts chaotic scenes, with a massive crowd swarming the platform as a train pulled in. Officials report that a frantic rush to board, coupled with panic over limited space, triggered the deadly stampede. Some clips also show at least two unconscious individuals as fellow passengers attempt to revive them. Further reports indicate that congestion near escalators contributed to the disaster.
“When the Prayagraj Express was on Platform 14, a large number of people were present. The Swatatantra Senani Express and Bhubaneswar Rajdhani—both serving the Prayagraj route—were delayed, resulting in passengers from those trains crowding Platforms 12, 13, and 14 as well,” a police official confirmed.
Festival Rush and Mounting Criticism
The calamity comes as special trains to the Maha Kumbh festival witness swelling crowds. The once-in-12-years pilgrimage, set to conclude on 26 February, has overwhelmed transport hubs. Earlier this week, frustrated passengers at Bihar’s Madhubani station shattered glass windows of the Swatantrata Senani Express after failing to board.
Similar incidents involving overcapacity trains to Prayagraj have been reported at other Bihar stations, prompting multiple police interventions.
Amid the turmoil, passengers and eyewitnesses have fiercely condemned Indian Railways’ handling of ticketing and crowd control. One irate commuter wrote: “It had to happen. Why are you issuing more tickets than train capacity? Every station is packed with thousands of people. Why allow this? Sell tickets only for available seats. And why is the Shiva-Ganga train stopping at every station when it was only supposed to stop at Kanpur?”
As authorities investigate the disaster, pressing questions remain over whether the tragedy could have been averted through better planning and infrastructure management.
