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Saturday, Feb 21, 2026
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Tragedy Strikes Kumbh Mela as Crowd Crush Claims Lives at New Delhi Railway Station
At least 15 fatalities reported as surging crowds attempt to reach the Kumbh Mela, highlighting ongoing challenges related to mass gatherings.
A tragic incident occurred at a railway station in New Delhi, India, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals amid a crush of crowds.
The surge took place as thousands of devotees attempted to board trains to attend the Kumbh Mela, which is currently underway in Prayagraj and is expected to conclude on 26 February 2024.
The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious gathering for Hindus, attracting millions of pilgrims every 12 years.
Local media reported that among those who lost their lives were 10 women and three children.
Dr. Ritu Saxena, the deputy medical superintendent at Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed the fatalities and noted that the victims did not show signs of significant external injuries.
Preliminary assessments suggest that many succumbed due to hypoxia, while the exact causes will be determined post-autopsy.
In addition to the deceased, 11 others sustained injuries, most categorized as stable with orthopedic conditions.
The incident has prompted responses from high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed condolences for the bereaved families and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured through a statement on the platform X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his sorrow over the loss of life.
He reassured the public that disaster management teams had been mobilized and that all hospitals were on high alert to handle any further emergencies.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the implementation of additional special trains from New Delhi to accommodate the heavy influx of devotees traveling to the Kumbh Mela.
The Kumbh Mela is considered the largest religious pilgrimage globally, with officials estimating that approximately 500 million devotees have attended since its commencement last month.
The festival has a documented history of crowd-related disasters; notably, the 1954 gathering in Prayagraj resulted in over 400 fatalities due to trampling and drowning, marking it as one of the deadliest crowd disasters worldwide.
Similarly, 36 people died in a crush incident during the last Kumbh Mela in 2013.
Authorities have launched an investigation into Saturday's events to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, with the situation currently reported as under control.
The surge took place as thousands of devotees attempted to board trains to attend the Kumbh Mela, which is currently underway in Prayagraj and is expected to conclude on 26 February 2024.
The Kumbh Mela is a significant religious gathering for Hindus, attracting millions of pilgrims every 12 years.
Local media reported that among those who lost their lives were 10 women and three children.
Dr. Ritu Saxena, the deputy medical superintendent at Lok Nayak Hospital, confirmed the fatalities and noted that the victims did not show signs of significant external injuries.
Preliminary assessments suggest that many succumbed due to hypoxia, while the exact causes will be determined post-autopsy.
In addition to the deceased, 11 others sustained injuries, most categorized as stable with orthopedic conditions.
The incident has prompted responses from high-ranking officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed condolences for the bereaved families and hopes for the swift recovery of the injured through a statement on the platform X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also conveyed his sorrow over the loss of life.
He reassured the public that disaster management teams had been mobilized and that all hospitals were on high alert to handle any further emergencies.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the implementation of additional special trains from New Delhi to accommodate the heavy influx of devotees traveling to the Kumbh Mela.
The Kumbh Mela is considered the largest religious pilgrimage globally, with officials estimating that approximately 500 million devotees have attended since its commencement last month.
The festival has a documented history of crowd-related disasters; notably, the 1954 gathering in Prayagraj resulted in over 400 fatalities due to trampling and drowning, marking it as one of the deadliest crowd disasters worldwide.
Similarly, 36 people died in a crush incident during the last Kumbh Mela in 2013.
Authorities have launched an investigation into Saturday's events to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the incident, with the situation currently reported as under control.
