Amritsar accident caught on camera: People run over by train while watching Dussehra celebrations

At least 60 people were killed and several others injured in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday after a train ran over the crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching the burning of Ravana effigy.

The accident took place at Joda Phatak near Choura Bazar in Amritsar when the train (DMU- 74943) ran into the crowd. The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar where at least 300 people were present at a ground near the tracks.

"60 people are dead and 51 injured in Amritsar train accident," said Chief Medical Officer of Civil Hospital, Amritsar.

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.

           

Severed bodies, including of many children, were lying on the accident site hours after the incident with angry people not allowing authorities to remove them.

Amritsar train accident: Check helpline numbers here

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the tragic train accident. The chief minister said a thorough probe will be conducted into the incident. Why an effigy was allowed to be burnt close to the railway tracks will also be investigated.

"The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of #Amritsar train mishap. All offices & educational institutions will remain closed," the chief minister tweeted.

#WATCH The moment when the DMU train 74943 stuck people watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar near #Amritsar (Source:Mobile footage-Unverified) pic.twitter.com/cmX0Tq2pFE

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

"Have set up Crisis Management Group under @BrahmMohindra to monitor relief & rehabilitation efforts in #Amritsar. Won't spare any efforts on part of govt to tackle the crisis," he said in another tweet.

The incident sent shock waves across the country. There was an outpouring of grief with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoling the loss of lives. Modi directed officials to provide immediate assistance.

"Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching," he tweeted.

Watch Video Here 👇 👇

"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," he 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," Kovind said.

Amarinder Singh also announced compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased in the Amritsar train accident and said he was rushing to the spot to personally supervise rescue and relief operations.

"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.

           

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal expressed shock and said that he is returning back to India from the US.

"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," he said in a tweet.

"May God give strength to the bereaved and injured. Railways is proving all possible assistance at the site. I have cancelled all engagemnts in USA and immediately returning back to India," he said in another tweet.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that he is 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," he tweeted.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi also said he was asking the state government and the party workers to provide immediate relief at the accident site.

"The train accident in Punjab in which over 50 people have died is shocking. My condolences to the families of those who have died. I pray that the injured make a speedy recovery," Gandhi said.

Source