50 Dussehra revellers run over by train in Punjab

NEW DELHI: More than 50 people were run over by a speeding train in Punjab on Friday, police said.

A large number of people were watching the fireworks during the Hindu religious festival of Dussehra near the railway tracks in Amritsar city when the tragedy took place.

“The exact figure is not yet known, but it is definitely more than 50 to 60,” Amritsar Police Commissioner S S Srivastava told reporters. “We do not know the circumstances, but many people were crushed by the train.”

Regional railways chief Vishweshwar Chaubey said many people were standing on the railway tracks, watching the fireworks and the burning of the demon king Ravana when the train crushed them.

Many people who were mowed down could not hear the approaching train due to the exploding crackers, he added.

The victims included several children. There were reportedly around 700 people at the accident spot.

“Out of nowhere came the train,” said a man, sounding angry. “Before anyone could realise what was happening, it ran over scores of people.”

“When the effigy started to burn in full flow, people began running away from it fearing it may fall over them,” said another man. “They did not realise that a speeding train was coming and the train did not sound its hooter.”

Another man felt that the tragedy would have claimed at least 100 lives. The dead included several children, another witness said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh cancelled a visit to Israel after hearing about the tragedy and area legislator and Local Bodies Minister Navjot Sidhu told a news channel from Bengaluru that the death toll was alarmingly high.

His wife Navjot Kaur Singh was the Chief Guest at the event.

Srivastava said efforts were on to evacuate people for medical care, and at least 60 people were reportedly taken to hospital.

Amarinder Singh said relief and rescue operations were ongoing at the site on a “war footing.”

The accident raises questions of negligence by the railways and the administration as to how the celebrations were happening so close to the tracks and why no barriers were put up to prevent people from getting onto the tracks.

Leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind expressed their condolences at the deaths.

“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter.

A large number of people were watching the fireworks during the Hindu religious festival of Dussehra near the railway tracks in Amritsar city when the tragedy took place