New Delhi: A day after the devastating stamped at the New Delhi train station, there were many questions but few answers. Although the lack of measures that could have avoided such a situation was evident, passengers also marked a variety of lapses ranging from the absence of adequate communication from rail staff to the lack of availability of trained medical assistance.
There were early signs of problems. Around 8.15 pm, two hours before the stampede, several X users began publishing about the growing crowd near the platforms. However, no measures were taken to handle the situation, it has been alleged.
Despite the clear warning signs, the congestion only worsened. A user published: “SHIV GANGA EXPRESS-12560. New Delhi-Placataformal , but no one is managing the other CA coaches. “
Many passengers said they were surprised by the change of last minute platform that contributed to chaos.
Stranded passengers trust each other to get help in chaos
Railway officials rushed to refute the accusations that there was a last minute change on the platform. “The matter is being investigated by a high -level committee. No train was canceled, nor was there any change on the platform … let the committee present its report and findings,” said a railroad officer.
The sale of around 1,500 general class tickets every hour in such a situation also raised serious questions about responsibility. Many passengers affirmed that the influx should have stopped over time.
The lack of clear ads with respect to trains arrivals was another important concern raised by passengers, and many believed that it contributed significantly to the stampede, particularly in the case of the special train. The passengers of the station claimed that the ads were not clear due to the background noise.
There was little or no visible medical assistance available on the platforms. The stranded passengers stayed to fend for themselves, trusting each other for help in chaos.
Several families with whom Toi spoke said that doctors or trained responders could have made a real difference. “Even in normal days, when the station is full of people, there is no one to help those in need. Obtaining a wheelchair for the elderly or disabled is always a fight. Sometimes, to those to those a Porte are paid more to transport elderly passengers on the tram, “said a supplier who did not want to be named.
The eyewitness Sharda Devi, resident of Bijwasan, said there was a frantic race on platforms 13-14. Seeing chaos, she, along with her daughter and her relative, tried to move, but security officials prevented others from proceeding closer to the stairs. This created a bottleneck, forcing passengers to the back to push forward, which caused an undulation effect that led to crushing.
In the station, the staircase and the mechanical ladder are extremely occupied areas, but these are not the only entrance and exit points. There are other bridges and access routes, but people were not ordered to use. “If the authorities had spread to the crowd more effectively, the situation could have been much better controlled. Instead, platforms, bridges and stairs were full of people, which made it almost impossible to move,” said a passenger that had a narrow escape escape in the tragedy.
The passengers also pointed out that there were inappropriate measures of crowd control despite mass overcrowding.
