Train kills at least 30 Dussehra revellers in Punjab
Amritsar: In a terrible disaster, at least 30 people watching the burning of Ravan effigy were mowed down by speeding train here in Punjab on Friday, police said.
A large number of people were watching the Ravan effigy in flames while standing along the railway tracks near Dhobi Ghat when the train crushed them.
They reportedly could not hear the hooting of the train due to the exploding crackers.
A witness told a news channel that as the Ravan effigy went up in flames, people started running when they were crushed by the train on the way to Amritsar from Pathankot.
Witnesses said the dead included children. There were reportedly around 700 people at the accident spot.
Area legislator and Local Bodies Minister Navjot Sidhu told a news channel on telephone from Bengaluru that the death toll was alarmingly high.
His wife Navjot Kaur Singh was the Chief Guest at the Dussehra where the incident occurred at around 7 p.m.
Train accident: Punjab CM cancels Israel visit
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday cancelled his five-day visit to Israel in view of the terrible accident in which at least 30 people watching the burning of Ravan effigy were crushed by a high speed train in Amritsar.
“The Chief Minister’s visit to Israel has been cancelled ad he is reaching Amritsar on Saturday morning,” his office said.
The Chief Minister has expressed grief over the accident and directed the administration to speed up relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister’s five-day visit to Israel was to start from October 21.
A large number of people were watching the Ravan effigy in flames while standing on the railway tracks when the train crushed them. They reportedly could not hear the train coming due to the exploding crackers.
Modi mourns train tragedy
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the death of several people in a train tragedy during a Dussehra celebration in Punjab.
“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,” he tweeted.
Punjab train disaster: Rajnath promises Centre’s help
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday spoke to the Punjab government over the mowing down of people watching the burning of Ravan effigy by a speeding train in Amritsar and assured him of Centres assistance.
“Spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and Director General of Police 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.
“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,” Singh tweeted.
The disaster happened when a large number of people were watching the Ravan effigy in flames while standing on the railway tracks near Jora Phatak when the train crushed them.
Amarinder Singh leaves for Amritsar after tragedy
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh rushed to Amritsar on Friday in the wake of a train accident in which about 30 people who were watching ‘Ravan Dahan’ while standing on a railway track were crushed by a speeding train.
Singh announced Rs 5 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased and free treatment to the injured.
“Rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief and rescue in tragic rail accident on Dussehra in Amritsar,” he tweeted.
Kejriwal condoles Punjab deaths
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday expressed condolences over the death of people who were crushed by a speeding train while watching a Ravan effigy in flames in Amritsar.
“Extremely sad news coming about a major train accident near Amritsar,” he tweeted. “I appeal to all our volunteers in the area to help authorities in relief work and provide whatever help we can in this moment of crisis.”
President, PM mourn Punjab train tragedy
New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of political parties on Friday expressed shock and grief over a train tragedy that claimed at least 30 lives during a Dussehra celebration in Punjab.
“Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families,” Kovind tweeted after a speeding train ran over a large number of people who were witnessing a Ravan effigy in flames while standing on a railway track.
Modi termed the disaster “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,” Modi said.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi asked the Punjab government and party workers to provide relief at the accident site.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said immediate relief and rescue operations were being carried out.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the Punjab Home Secretary and the Director General of Police of Punjab. He said the Centre would provide all possible assistance to the state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief.
New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed his pain over the loss of lives and urged his party workers to provide help at the accident site.
CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury tweeted: “Shocked… Responsibility and accountability must be fixed at the very top for such accidents.”