New Delhi stampede: Police to scan CCTV footage from railway station

The chaos erupted as thousands of passengers gathered on platforms 14 and 15, waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is currently underway.

Delhi Police on Sunday launched an investigation into the deadly stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station that killed at least 18 people and injured over a dozen. Officials said they will analyze CCTV footage to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the chaos.

"Our main target is to investigate the main cause of the stampede. We will collect all data, including CCTV footage and announcements made during that time," a senior police official said.

According to initial findings, a wrong announcement about a platform change may have triggered confusion among passengers, leading to the stampede. The chaos erupted as thousands of passengers gathered on platforms 14 and 15, waiting to board trains to Prayagraj, where the Maha Kumbh is currently underway.

Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi confirmed that 18 people had died, including 14 women. Among the deceased were five minors, two of whom were under the age of 10.

"Almost 15 people are injured and are undergoing treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital," Atishi said. Heavy police deployment has been ordered at the hospital to manage the situation.

Preliminary investigations suggest that overcrowding on platforms - exacerbated by train delays - was a key factor in the stampede. Authorities are now assessing whether lapses in crowd management contributed to the disaster.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who visited the injured at LNJP Hospital, has instructed senior officials to expedite relief efforts. Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu and several political leaders have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families.