New Delhi: At least 15 people, including 10 women and three children, died at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night after two trains headed for the Maha Kumbh were delayed leading to overcrowding, media reports said.

The deaths were confirmed by the chief casualty medical officer of LNJP Hospital in Delhi, reported NDTV.

Officials stated that the deceased included 10 women, three children, and two men.

After the incident, the Railways has ordered an inquiry.

How the chaos unfolded

The overcrowding began around 8 PM on platforms 14 and 15, where passengers were waiting for trains to Prayagraj.

The situation worsened as delays in the Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani resulted in passengers gathering in large numbers on platforms 12, 13, and 14.

Meanwhile, the Prayagraj Express was already stationed at platform 14, which added to the congestion.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railway) KPS Malhotra told ANI, "When Prayagraj Express was standing at platform no. 14, lots of public were present at the platform. Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani were delayed, and passengers of these trains were also present at platform no. 12,13 and 14. As per the information, 1500 general tickets were sold—that’s why the crowd became uncontrollable. There was a stampede-like situation at platform no. 14 and near the escalator near platform no. 1."

Post the incident, distressing visuals from the station appeared. Clothes, slippers, shoes, and other belongings lay scattered across the platforms and staircases, bearing testimony to the intensity of the commotion.

The railway administration deployed additional security personnel to manage the situation.

Four fire engines were also dispatched to the site.

In an official statement, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assured that the situation is now under control.

Leaders mourn loss of lives

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, extended condolences to the victims, and directed authorities to take control of the situation.

"CS has been asked to invoke DDMA measures & deploy relief personnel. All hospitals are in readiness to address related exegencies. Have instructed CS & CP to be at the site and take control of relief measures," the Lt Governor added, saying that he is constantly monitoring the situation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also said he was 'pained' at the loss of life in the incident.

"Devastating news from New Delhi Railway Station. I am extremely pained by the loss of lives due to stampede on Railway platform. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy of the injured," Singh posted on X.

With the Maha Kumbh set to conclude on February 26, special trains have been witnessing swelling crowds. Earlier this week, frustrated passengers at Bihar's Madhubani railway station shattered the glass windows of the Swatantrata Senani Express—bound for Delhi via Prayagraj—after failing to board.

Similar incidents involving trains to Prayagraj have been reported at other Bihar railway stations, prompting police action.