50 dead as train runs over Dussehra revellers in Punjab
Amritsar (Pb): At least 50 people were killed Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilt onto railway tracks while watching the burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near here, officials said.
The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak.
At least 300 people were at the spot watching ‘Ravana Dahan’ at a ground near the tracks.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Amritsar I Rajesh Sharma said 50 bodies have been found and at least 50 injured have been admitted to a government hospital.
As the effigy was lit and the fireworks went off, a section of the crowd started retreating towards the tracks where a large number of people were already standing to watch the event, officials said.
However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little opportunity to people to escape, they said.
Several people were mowed down by one of the trains, they said.
The speeding train mowed down at least 50 revellers as it crushed and blew away anybody who came in its way. At least 300 people were at the spot watching ‘Ravana Dahan’ at a ground near the tracks.
Officials said at least 50 were also injured in the incident that took place at Joda Phatak. They said the train was travelling from Jalandhar to Amritsar.
The people were in shock and disbelief as they narrated the incident. “The driver didn’t blow the horn,” alleged one of the witnesses.
Another woman was inconsolable as she said her son has been killed in the accident
Meanwhile, Home minister Rajnath Singh says Centre to provide all possible assistance to Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased in the Amritsar train accident Friday and said he was rushing to the spot to personally supervise rescue and relief operations.
At least 50 people were killed when a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near here, officials said.
The Chief Minister also announced free treatment to all injured in the accident.
“Rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief and rescue in tragic rail accident on Dussehra in Amritsar. My government will give Rs 5 lakh to kin of each deceased and free treatment to injured in government and private hospitals. District authorities have been mobilised on war footing,” Singh tweeted.
The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred in the evening at Joda Phatak. At least 300 people were at the spot watching ‘Ravana dahan’ at a ground near the tracks.
Sub Divisional Magistrate, Amritsar I, Rajesh Sharma said 50 bodies have been found and at least 50 injured have been admitted to a government hospital.
Officials said the toll may be higher.
Press Trust of India
