SURAT - A stampede at Surat Railway Station on Diwali left one person dead and four unconscious. The incident occurred as passengers rushed to board the Bihar Chhapra train to travel to their home state for the special Chhath Puja and Lagansara festivals. The chaos stemmed from a lack of proper arrangements at the station, leading to overcrowding and pushing.
The deceased, Ankit Birendra Singh, was among the passengers who fainted due to the crowd and was declared dead upon reaching Surat New Civil Hospital. Two other passengers, Suija Ramprakash Singh and Ramprakash Singh, were taken to Smeer Hospital for treatment, while the relative of the fourth unconscious passenger left the railway station without seeking medical attention.
The incident has raised questions about the negligence of the railway system, particularly during the festive season when passenger traffic increases significantly. Despite the presence of RPF and GPF personnel, their inability to control the crowd and prevent the stampede has drawn criticism.
Passengers expressed their frustration over the lack of proper arrangements, with one passenger lamenting that he was unable to board the train despite his relatives securing seats in the Sandas compartment. The railway administration has been criticized for its failure to establish proper arrangements, leaving passengers stranded and at risk.
