"Extremely sad and heartbreaking": UP CM Yogi Adityanath on loss of lives at NDLS stampede

New Delhi [India], February 16 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS).
Taking to social media, he extended his condolences to the bereaved families and wished for the swift recovery of those injured.
"The loss of lives in the accident at New Delhi Railway Station is extremely sad and heartbreaking. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed souls, strength to the bereaved families to bear this immense sorrow and speedy recovery to the injured," the UP CM posted on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Sunday expressed grief over the deaths caused by a stampede.
Around 15 people were killed and an equal number of persons were injured at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday due to a tragic stampede.
Delhi's caretaker Chief Minister and AAP leader, Atishi, on Sunday, arrived at the LNJP hospital to offer support to the families of the victims of the tragic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
Speaking to the media outside the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, she said, "Those who lost their lives, their families have been informed. It's a sad incident. Our two MLAs are here. I have asked hospital management to let our MLAs know if any of the victim's families need any kind of help. 4-5 patients will be discharged soon... 15 people were brought dead to the LNJP hospital, and the same number of injured are also admitted here...Two of the bodies are yet to be identified."
"15 people, including 3 children, lost their lives; 10 others are injured in the incident that occurred at New Delhi railway station," said Chief Casualty Medical Officer, LNJP hospital.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Railway, KPS Malhotra, the incident occurred when a large number of passengers gathered on platform no. 14, where the Prayagraj Express was stationed. Additionally, delays in the departures of Swatantrata Senani Express and Bhubaneshwar Rajdhani led to further congestion at platforms 12, 13, and 14.
Malhotra, along with other police personnel, helped passengers to board trains amid a huge rush at the New Delhi railway station.

"We have expected the crowd, but it all happened in a fraction of time, and hence this situation occurred. The fact-finding will be done by the Railways... After inquiry, we will get to know the reason behind the incident...," said DCP Railway KPS Malhotra.
Joint CP Transport Range Vijay Singh also arrived at New Delhi Railway station to assess the situation.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva visited the injured at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital and inquired about their well-being. He assured them of all possible support.
Virendra Sachdeva stated that Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has spoken to doctors and officials and has given appropriate instructions, according to Delhi BJP press statement.
He further informed that while the Chief Secretary of the Delhi Government has deployed a large medical team on duty at various hospitals, the Railways has arranged three special trains for Prayagraj.
Reports indicate that around 1,500 general tickets were sold, leading to an overwhelming crowd. The situation worsened near platform no. 14 and the escalator at platform no. 1.
In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said a high-level inquiry had been ordered into the "unfortunate incident". (ANI)