President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed shock at the deaths of many Dussehra revellers on Friday night in a train mishap in Amritsar during Dussehra celebrations.
“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,” the President wrote in a tweet.
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 #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 19, 2018
The Prime Minister said that the tragedy is heart-wrenching adding that he has asked officials to provide immediate assistance in relief and rescue.
“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 wrote on Twitter.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2018
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the deaths and said that she prays for the quick recovery of injured persons.
“Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities,” she wrote.
“I have no words to describe my shock and agony. My heart goes out to the family members of the victims. Pray that the injured persons recover very quickly,” Banerjee added.
Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities.
I have no words to describe my shock and agony. My heart goes out to the family members of the victims. Pray that the injured persons recover very quickly.— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 19, 2018
A speeding train mowed down many at Joda Phatak while they were watching the burning of Ravana effigy. The dead include many children say the witnesses.
The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred.
According to a private news channel, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh confirmed that 45 people have died in the incident. Around 50 injured have been admitted to the hospital.
Read More: Many feared killed in train accident in Punjab, Amarinder rushing to accident site
Various reports suggest that a massive crowd of around 300 people were at the spot watching ‘Ravana dahan’ at a ground next to the tracks.
Visuals on TV showed revellers standing on the tracks and attentively watching the burning effigy of Ravana when the train hits them. Eyewitnesses said that many were unable to hear the train coming in the din created by bursting crackers.
Preliminary reports suggest that there were no special arrangements at the venue of the Dussehra event.