Atlanta
CNN
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At least 18 people were killed in crowd shattering at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday as passengers tried to board a train heading to the world’s largest religious gathering, according to local media citing police.
“Eight people, including nine women and five children, lost their lives in the stampede that occurred yesterday at New Delhi Railway Station,” Delhi police told CNN-News18 in a statement.
Deputy Chairman of Delhi Police KPS Malhotra told India’s ANI News that it took place late on Saturday night when the crash took place in the late night of Saturday, with overcrowded service and passenger influx of two trains.
He said, “The situation was out of control due to a short spell of 10-15 minutes.”
Many of the people in the crowd are believed to be heading to Maha Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious gathering in the Indian city of Prayagraj.
The news comes just weeks after dozens of people were killed in crowd shattering at the rally.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “suffering” with his latest death.
“My thoughts are for all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured will recover quickly. The authorities are helping all those affected,” Modi said on Sunday, X. I’m writing this in.
Ashwini Vaishno, Union Minister of Indian Railways, said that in X, the crowd “deeply saddened by the unfortunate people” was being crushed.
“My prayers are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Our entire team is working to support all those affected by this tragic incident,” he wrote. Masu.
Vaishnaw said four trains were being used to evacuate people from the station. Police were on the scene and the situation was currently under control, he added.
The festival is considered to be the world’s largest gathering of peaceful people. Over the course of six weeks, a staggering 400 million people are expected to attend the Maha Kumbh Mera, or the Sacred Pitcher’s Festival, located on the shores of Prayagraj.
