60 killed as train runs over revellers in India

DUSSEHRA FESTIVAL CELEBRATION TURNS INTO TRAGEDY IN AMRITSAR

Acommuter train travelling at high speed ran through a crowd of people on the rail tracks in northern India killing at least 60 people yesterday, state officials said, making it India’s worst rail disaster this year.

Video footage from the scene showed hundreds had gathered to watch the burning of an effigy as part of the Dussehra festival celebration, when a commuter train ran through the crowd.

It took just about 10-15 seconds for the train to pass — and leave behind a heap of crushed and dismembered bodies.

A witness at the scene saw bodies of victims strewn around rail tracks, friends and relatives stood around in shock, many were sobbing and appeared distraught.

Police said it was a “freak accident” as people did not hear the train approaching amid the din of festivities and fireworks.

A witness said the train didn’t even sound its whistle as it sped past the site, where hundreds were watching the burning of an effigy of demon Ravana during the Hindu festival.

“Why did authorities allow the fireworks display so close to the railroad track,” he asked. He told the Republic television channel that he lost two brothers. Wails and cries filled the air as people frantically looked for their near and dear ones. Severed bodies, including those of children, were lying at the accident site hours after the incident with angry people not allowing authorities to remove them.

Even after numerous warnings and action taken by Dubai authorities to curb rash and irresponsible driving, motorists continue to throw caution to the wind, ignoring the safety of not just themselves and their passengers, but also the thousands of other road users around them. A little more patience and discipline can save lives and time. Staff photographer Clint Egbert captures reckless behaviour on Dubai roads

AFP ■ The scene after a train ran over a crowd during Dussehra festivities in Amritsar yesterday.

A battery-operated scooter rider and hand-cart puller ignore the zebra crossing and cross in the yellow box.

Above: Stopping on a zebra crossing at a traffic signal endangers the lives of pedestrians.

Left: Placing infants securely in a child seat in the rear passenger seat is mandatory, but some parents flirt with danger.

Overtaking on the hard shoulder is a practice that puts other motorists at risk.

Making a hasty and sudden exit on a busy highway is a dangerous yet common practice.

Apart from being a nuisance, double parking in residential areas results in traffic build-up and even minor accidents.

Few drivers realise that parking improperly in designated public parking is poor driving etiquette.

Taxi drivers stopping suddenly for customers in the middle of a road are a nightmare for vehicles behind them.

Using a phone while driving is a recipe for disaster.

Drivers who overload their cars and block their rear view can be fined.