A catastrophic stampede at a bustling train station in New Delhi, India, turned deadly over the weekend, claiming the lives of 18 people and leaving many others injured in the chaos.
According to reports from the Press Trust of India, the tragedy unfolded as passengers swarmed two platforms, desperately trying to board a train. Among the victims were 14 women and a young child, just 7 years old, adding to the heartbreak of the incident.
Authorities believe the deadly chain reaction started when several passengers lost their balance while descending a footbridge that connected the platforms. As they tumbled, a surge of panic swept through the crowd, triggering a stampede that quickly spiraled out of control.
The nation’s Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow over the horrific event, stating he was “distressed by the stampede” and extending his condolences to the victims’ families.
Officials have launched an investigation to uncover the exact cause of the disaster and determine what safety measures must be implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future.