Around 60 people have died in a train accident in Amritsar today at Joda Phatak area, where a Ravan effigy was burnt near the tracks. The people who were hit reportedly could not see or hear the trains due to the exploding crackers. At least 60 people have been hospitalised. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has expressed shock at the accident. He wrote on Twitter: "Shocked to hear of tragic rail accident in Amritsar. Have asked all govt & pvt hospitals to stay open to help in this hour of grief. District authorities have been directed to take up relief and rescue operations on a war footing."
The Punjab government has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of the accident victims. The railways has issued helpline numbers, which are 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485. People who want to donate blood should go to the Amritsar Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Hospital. The Punjab government has ordered a probe into the accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Congress President Rahul Gandhi have expressed their anguish at the accident.
Here are the updates on Amritsar Accident, train runs over people celebrating Dussehra:
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today said that a magisterial inquiry into the train accident will be conducted and the report will be submitted in four weeks.
But the railways said that the tragedy was a case of trespassing and not a railway accident and ruled out a probe by the Commissioner Railway Safety.
Railways also said that no action will be taken against the driver of the train who had managed to slow down the train to around 68 kmph from the speed of 91kmph at which he was assigned to run.
"The incident was not the railways' fault. There was no lapse on our part and no action against the driver will be initiated," Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha said on Saturday.
Among those killed in the train accident, forty have been identified and 36 have been cremated, say officials.
Expressing solidarity with the bereaved families, the two leaders prayed for peace to the departed souls and strength to the families to bear the loss, a party spokesperson said.
"The incident is tragic. We have learnt that some of the deceased belong to Bihar. Our condolences to all those who have lost their lives," Mr Kumar, who had served as railway minister under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said today.
"A high level of alertness is required while holding any public function in the vicinity of a railway line," the chief minister said.
Have asked Divisional Commissioner Jalandhar to probe #AmritsarTrainAccident from all aspects & submit report in 4 weeks. Will take action against anyone found responsible for the terrible tragedy, which the nation is mourning. pic.twitter.com/ZR7b9KahDW
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 20, 2018
Was briefed by the district officials and the crises management team about the #AmritsarTrainAccident and the relief operations on arrival at Amritsar airport. Going on to visit the injured in various hospitals. pic.twitter.com/eosQX2qSue
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 20, 2018
Don't Give Amritsar Train Tragedy A Political Shape: Navjot Singh Sidhu"Nobody has done it deliberately. However, there is a big negligence": Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Amritsar train accident."
Read Here: Amritsar Train Accident: Navjot Kaur Sidhu Blames Railways For AccidentAfter a train tragedy in Punjab's Amritsar on Friday, former lawmaker Navjot Kaur Sidhu blamed railway authorities for not issuing directions regarding movement of trains near the tracks, where about over 50 people were feared crushed by a speeding train while they were watching the 'Ravana Dahan'.
Read Here: Amritsar Train Accident, Punjab: Train Services Between Amritsar, Jalandhar Affected After Amritsar Accident"My thoughts are with everyone who has lost a loved one in the tragic train crash in Amritsar, India. Canadians are keeping you in our hearts tonight & wishing all those injured a full recovery."-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- CanadianPM (@CanadianPM) October 20, 2018
My heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives & injured in the unfortunate tragedy happened in Punjab. Horrific incident turning celebration into a disaster. May the departed souls rest in peace. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. #Amritsar
- Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) October 19, 2018
My heart goes to all in Amritsar following Friday's tragic accident. Earlier this month, I was honoured to visit the Golden Temple and witnessed the warmth and generosity of the people. My deepest condolences to those who have lost family and loved ones.
- António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 19, 2018
Indian Railways issues helpline numbers for #Amritsar accident: Helpline telephone numbers at #Manawala station- Rly -73325, BSNL - 0183-2440024; Power Cabin ASR-Rly - 72820, BSNL - 0183-2402927; Vijay Sahota,SSE: 7986897301 and Vijay Patel, SSE: 7973657316
- ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018
The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of #Amritsar train mishap. All offices & educational institutions will remain closed.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 19, 2018
-Telephone numbers at Manawala station are 0183-2440024, 0183-2402927
-Ferozpur's helpline number is 01632-1072.
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.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 19, 2018
The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of #Amritsar train mishap. All offices & educational institutions will remain closed.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 19, 2018
Saddened and distressed by death of innocent people celebrating Dussehra festival in Amritsar. The accident is tragic. May God give strength to all. My heart goes out to the victims and the bereaved families. My condolences to those who lost their dear ones.
- Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) October 19, 2018
Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities.
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 19, 2018
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.
#WATCH Eyewitness at #Amritsar accident site says, "Congress had organised Dussehra celebrations here without permission. Navjot Singh Sidhu's wife was the chief guest at the celebrations and she continued to give a speech as people were struck down by the train." pic.twitter.com/rcsxbVxiB9
- ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018
#WATCH Amritsar accident: Police Commissioner SS Srivastava says, "Exact death toll is not known but it is definitely more than 50-60. We are still evacuating people." pic.twitter.com/5l9Gjw90VB
- ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018
#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
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.
- Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 19, 2018
I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP 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.
- राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2018
Extremely sad news coming about a major train accident near Amritsar
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 19, 2018
I appeal to all our volunteers in the area to help authorities in the relief work and provide whatever help we can in this moment of crisis
