At least 18 people died during a stampede at a railway station in India's capital late Saturday when surging crowds scrambled to catch trains to the world's largest religious gathering, officials and reports said.

At least 18 people, including 14 women, were killed in a stampede at a railway station in India’s capital of New Delhi.

Crowds had swelled because trains carrying Hindu pilgrims to the Kumbh Mela, the world’s largest religious festival, had been delayed, according to local media.