60 dead as train runs over Dussehra revellers in Punjab

Amritsar: Dussehra celebrations turned into a tragedy here on Friday evening when a speeding train ran over hundreds of people who were out to watch Ravana’s effigy being set ablaze. At least 60 people were feared dead according to Amritsar officials. Authorities said the death toll may rise.

Earlier, 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.

The tragedy took place at the Joda Fatak area where a large crowd had gathered to watch the fireworks. At least 300 people were at the spot watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the tracks. As the firecrackers went off, the organisers of the celebrations asked people to step back. Many people then moved towards the railway tracks.

At the same time, the Jalandhar-Amritsar DMU was crossing the spot. According to police officers the revelers could not hear the train approaching because of the loud explosions from the effigy and were run over by the train. Eyewitnesses said the Amritsar-Howrah train had crossed the spot a few minutes before. The casualties would have been much higher had the two trains crossed at the same time.

Wails and cries of people filled the air as friends and relatives frantically looked for their near and dear ones. Severed bodies, including of many children, were still lying on the accident site hours after the incident with angry people not allowing authorities to remove them.

It was heart rending sight as the dismembered body parts laid strewn on the blood-soaked ground. Many bodies could not be identified.

Amritsar commissioner of police S S Srivastava said they were trying to clear the bodies from the tracks and take the injured to nearby hospitals.

Dussehra was being celebrated in the Amritsar (East) constituency represented by Punjab cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu. People shouted slogans against local MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was present as chief guest during the event. She later said she rushed to the hospital immediately after the incident.

Sources said that when the effigy was being burnt, the spectators pushed back around 100 feet on to the railway tracks as they feared that the burning effigy would fall on them.

As news of the tragedy emerged, people gathered in large numbers at the accident spot. There was shock and disbelief as panic-stricken people recounted the horror.

"I have lost my minor child. I want him back," an inconsolable mother could be heard.

"Several times we have been requesting the authorities and local leaders telling them to take up the issue with railway authorities to slow down the trains near this Phatak during Dussehra, but no one has listened," a local said.

Another said people could not hear the sound of the approaching train due to bursting of fire-crackers.

Amritsar Police Commissioner S S Srivastava said there was a great rush because of the Dussehra celebrations, adding necessary action as per law would be taken.

A state mourning has been announced in Punjab on Saturday.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Amarinder tweeted, “Rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief & rescue in tragic rail accident on Dussehra in Amritsar. My govt will give Rs 5 lakh to kin of each deceased & free treatment to injured in govt & pvt hospitals. District authorities have been mobilised on war footing.”

Punjab BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik who is a former mayor of Amritsar, said, “It is a very unfortunate incident. It should not have happened.”

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 announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also directed officials to provide immediate assistance.

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

"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.

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani and Northern Railway general manager Vishwesh Chaube are rushing to the spot while Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said immediate relief and rescue operations are being conducted.

(With inputs from PTI)