Confusion over train arrival triggers deadly stampede; probe panel seeks CCTV footage

Death toll rises to 18; Railways announces compensation

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

A day after the stampede at New Delhi Railway Station left 18 people dead and 15 injured, the Ministry of Railways on Sunday ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.

With passenger safety concerns mounting, the Northern Railway has constituted a two-member inquiry committee comprising Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner (PCSC) and Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager (PCCM). The probe, being conducted at the Higher Administrative Grade (HAG) level, aims to identify lapses in crowd management and infrastructure preparedness.

Officials from the Railways and Delhi Police claimed that the incident was reportedly triggered when authorities announced a special train for Prayagraj from platform 12, leading to a sudden movement of passengers from Platform 14. At the time, the Prayagraj Express was scheduled to depart from Platform 14, and the additional announcement created confusion among anxious passengers rushing to secure seats.

Railway officials have further clarified that no platform change was made, nor was any special train cancelled. However, the unexpected surge in crowd movement led to panic, resulting in the stampede.

All injured passengers were immediately provided with medical treatment at the nearby Lok Nayak Jayprakash Narayan Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College.

The Railways have announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs. 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs. 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that compensation funds have already been disbursed to the victims' families.