Dussehra celebrations Friday turned tragic in Punjab's Amritsar as a train ploughed through people standing across the tracks watching and revelling as the effigy of Ravana went up in smoke.
The speeding train mowed down at least 61 revellers as it crushed and blew away anybody who came in its way. At least 300 people were at the spot watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the tracks.
Officials said at least 50 were also injured in the incident that took place at Joda Phatak.They said the train was travelling from Jalandhar to Amritsar.
The people were in shock and disbelief as they narrated the incident. "The driver didn't blow the horn," alleged one of the witnesses.
HERE ARE THE MAJOR REACTIONS
# President Ram Nath Kovind
"Shocked to hear about the tragedy on rail tracks in Amritsar, Punjab. Understand Indian Railways and local authorities are taking steps to help affected people".
# Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. 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.
# Rahul Gandhi
The train accident in Punjab in which over 50 people have died is shocking. I urge the state government & Congress workers to provide immediate relief at the accident site. My condolences to the families of those who have died. I pray that the injured make a speedy recovery.
# Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh
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.
# Omar Abdullah
What a mindless & entirely avoidable tragedy! Watching this video you’d be hard pressed to imagine the scale of the tragedy considering the way people are nonchalantly filming away on their phones even after the train has run over people!
# Rajnath Singh
Pained beyond words at the loss of precious lives due to a train tragedy during Dussehra festivities in #Punjab. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured, tweets Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
# Sharad Yadav
It is very sad that more than 30 persons died in d train accident when some people ran towards railway track suddenly during d course of Ravan being burnt in Chaura Bazar, Amritsar. Heartfelt condolences to d bereaved families.
# Piyush Goyal
Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in #Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations, tweets Piyush Goyal.
# Navjot Kaur Sidhu
The effigy of Ravan was burnt&I had just left the site when the incident happened. Priority is to get the injured treated. Dussehra celebrations are held there every year. People who are doing politics over this incident should be ashamed.
# Arvind Kejriwal
Extremely sad news coming about a major train accident near Amritsar 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.
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