NEW DELHI: The deadly stampede at New Delhi Railway Station that claimed 18 lives was triggered by confusion between two trains—’Prayagraj Express‘ and ‘Prayagraj Special‘—causing panic among passengers, Delhi Police sources said on Sunday.
According to the preliminary investigation, an announcement for ‘Prayagraj Special’ at Platform 16 misled passengers waiting for ‘Prayagraj Express’ at Platform 14. Believing their train had arrived, many rushed towards Platform 16, resulting in chaos and a stampede.
Compounding the situation, four trains to Prayagraj were scheduled that evening, with three facing delays, leading to severe overcrowding, police sources added.
A witness told PTI, “There was confusion among passengers regarding train names and platform changes, which ultimately led to the tragedy.”
The stampede occurred on Saturday evening as thousands of devotees were traveling to Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025.
