In seconds, train left a heap of crushed bodies in its wake

DIN OF FIREWORKS PREVENTED REVELLERS FROM HEARING THE SPEEDING LOCOMOTIVE

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Aspeeding passenger train yesterday mowed down a crowd of revellers on the tracks in the north Indian state of Punjab, killing at least 60 and leaving more than 70 injured, officials said, making it India’s worst railway disaster this year.

It took just 10-15 seconds for the train that was travelling from Jalandhar to Amritsar to pass — and leave behind a heap of crushed and dismembered bodies.

The tragedy occurred at around 7pm local time in a place called Joda Phatak where at least 700 people were celebrating the Dussehra festival during which huge effigies of Ravana, a 10-headed demon from the Hindu epic Ramayana are set aflame in a ceremony that symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

The revellers had gathered on an open ground near the tracks. As the fireworks went off, a section of the crowd closest to the effigy ran towards the tracks where a large number

of people were already standing. The sound of the fireworks meant that the people could not hear the train.

Video clips on social media showed some people who had apparently seen the train trying to run away, but a few of them were also mowed down.

Modi tweets support

The tragedy sent shock waves across the country, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi directing officials to provide immediate assistance. “The tragedy is heartwrenching,” 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 announced Rs200,000 compensation to the families of the dead and Rs50,000 to the injured.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced compensation of Rs 500,000 each to the kin of the deceased and said he would personally supervise rescue and relief operations. He also announced free treatment to all injured in the accident.

Grief and anger

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

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

“We have requested local leaders several times to get railway authorities to slow down trains in this area during Dussehra, but no one listened,” a man said.

“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.”

A local resident, Nirmal Jit Sindhu, alleged that the celebrations were organised by forcing the local administration to grant permission near the railway tracks.

He added that last year the administration had not granted permission for the use of this venue for Dussehra celebrations owing to its proximity to the tracks.

The Indian Railways have an appalling safety record after decades of underinvestment in safety infrastructure, as the priority has remained more on keeping fares low. Seven people were killed and 21 injured earlier this month when nine coaches of an express train derailed in Uttar Pradesh.

AP A body lies on the tracks. Severed bodies, including of children, were still lying at the accident site hours after the incident as angry relatives stopped authorities from removing them.

PTI A woman mourns a loved one. A witness claimed that some relatives were picking up bodies by themselves as no proper rescue operations were taking place at the site.

AFP Friends and relatives stand around in shock at the site of a train accident in Amritsar as bodies of the victims were strewn around the rail tracks.