Amritsar, Oct 19: In a major tragedy, at least 60 people, including women and children, were killed and more than 70 injured after a train ran them over when they were gathered at a crossing to watch burning of Ravana's effigy at Jora Phatak near Amritsar on Friday evening.
Reports said that during the Dussehra celebrations, around 500 people were standing near the railway tracks to watch a Ravan effigy being burnt.
As the effigy of Ravana, located very close to the tracks was lit, a section of the crowd retreated towards the tracks, where a large number of people were already standing to watch the celebrations.
Two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little time to people to escape. Many people were mowed down by one of the trains, sources said.
The people who were hit could not see or hear the sound of the train due to burning of firecrackers.
The train was on its way from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the tragedy took place at Jora Phatak in Amritsar Sub Division.
Magistrate I Rajesh Sharma confirmed that 50 bodies have been recovered and over 70 injured have been admitted to a government hospital.
According to Amritsar Police Commissioner SS Srivastava, at least fifty people have died in this tragedy.
"We are still assessing the number of casualties," he added.
Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of Punjab Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, was the chief guest at the Dussehra function.
After the tragedy, she left the venue in her car.
The angry mob attacked Education Minister OP Soni when he reached the spot. Police rescued the minister.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government has announced Rs 5 lakh for the families of each person killed in the accident and free treatment for the injured.
"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," he tweeted.
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has directed Home Secretary, Health
Secretary and ADGP (law and order) to immediately rush to Amritsar.
The Chief Minister has said he is rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief and rescue efforts. He has asked all government and private hospitals to stay open.
The Chief Minister would fly to Amritsar on Saturday to assess the situation.
The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of Amritsar train mishap. All offices and educational institutions will remain closed, the CM said.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed condolences.
The Prime Minister and Home Minister Rajnath Singh have also promised all possible assistance.
In a condolence message, the President said, 'Shocked to hear about the tragedy on rail tracks in Amritsar, Punjab. Understand Indian Railways and local authorities are taking steps to help affected people. Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families.'
'Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly.
Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required,'the PM said in a message.
Condoling the deaths in the accident, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said, 'the train accident in Punjab in which over 50 people have died is shocking. I urge the state government & Congress workers to provide immediate relief at the accident site. My condolences to the families of those who have died. I pray that the injured make a speedy recovery.'
'Pained beyond words at the loss of precious lives due to a train tragedy during Dussehra festivities in Punjab. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.
I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP of the state regarding the train accident in Amritsar. They are rushing to the spot. Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief,'the Home minister said..
Expressing sadness over the tragic train incident in Amritsar , Railways minister Piyush Goyal on Friday assured that the Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations.
Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in #Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations,' Piyush Goyal said in a tweet.
Information and Broadcasting minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore also expressed grief over the tragedy.
'Anguished by the tragic train accident in Amritsar. My heart felt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. I Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured?'Mr Rathore tweeted.
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