India, Feb. 17 -- Minutes after the stampede at New Delhi railway station on Saturday night, the Capital's fire department was called in for crowd management, officials said. However, traffic snarls in and around the station, followed by a swell of crowds at the station itself, meant that fire officials - the earliest first responders to arrive at the scene - reached over 20 minutes after they got the first distress call.

At least 18 people were killed, and scores others were severely injured in the stampede at the New Delhi station, which was triggered by the arrival of thousands of people who wished to board Prayagraj-bound trains to attend the Maha Kumbh.

Fire officials said that they received the first call about the situation at 9....