Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday expressed grief over the tragic train accident in Amritsar killing at least 60 people. An unfortunate tragedy has taken place. My heart goes out to all those who have lost their lives and injured in this incident which from the initial reports appears to be a tragedy that could have been avoided, said the finance minister.
Dussehra celebrations turned tragic near Choura Bazar area of Amritsar when a speeding train mowed down people standing across the tracks watching and revelling as the effigy of Ravana went up in smoke.
The train mowed down at least 52 revellers within seconds as it zipped through them, crushing and blowing away anybody who came in its way.
As per the reports, nearly 300 people were present at the spot at the time of the incident. The crowd reportedly could not hear the hooting of the train due to the exploding crackers.
According to an eyewitness, the scenes were reminiscent of ones witnessed during the Partition of the country when millions of people lost their lives in violence.
The train was going from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak. Sub Divisional Magistrate Amritsar I Rajesh Sharma said 52 people have died and at least 72 injured have been admitted to Amritsar hospital.
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