Punjab – Over 50 people killed and more than 60 admitted in a hospital on Friday in Amristsar when a speedy train ramped into the crowd seated on the tracks watching Dussera fireworks.
According to Punjab Police officer, “The people were sitting on and near the tracks on the outskirts of Amritsar watching the burning of effigies as part of the Dussehra festival when a commuter train ran over them”.
Reports said, a large number of people had entered the railway track after the effigies were set on fire and the crackers began bursting.
The crowd could not hear the train approaching due to heavy commotion of the festivities and fireworks.
Punjab Chief Minister – Amarinder Singh – tweeted: “District authorities have been mobilized on war footing”. He said that he was rushing to Amritsar to organize rescue operations.
Area news agencies showed images of angry and distraught locals including a weeping mother who had just lost a child in the tragedy.
Indian Prime Minister – Narender Modi – tweeted “The tragedy is heart-wrenching”.
India boasts to have world’s largest railway network, but the authorities fail to reduce increasing railway accidents.
In order to inquire about the casualties: helpline numbers – 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485.
