Indian crowd crush survivors describe chaos as death toll rises

STORY: People were still seen pushing to pack into trains in India’s capital city on Sunday, even as the death toll rose from a crowd crush the night before.

A railway public relations officer said at least a dozen and a half people were killed.

Several children were among them, according to local media reports.

The tragedy took place on Saturday evening in New Delhi’s main railway station.

Media reports said passengers were waiting to board trains to Prayagraj city, where the Hindu Maha Kumbh festival was taking place, when the crowd suddenly surged.

This man was one of those heading to the festival. His wife was killed in the crush.

“The crowd started pushing and people were falling over us,” he said. “My wife passed away on the spot.”

There were scenes of chaos as those injured were rushed to hospital.

This man said his mother died after being crushed under the surge of people.

Deputy police commissioner K P S Malhotra told reporters that two trains had been delayed, leading to an increase of people gathered on the platforms.

The country’s railway minister said an enquiry had been ordered into the incident.