Amidst all the celebration, several Dussehra revellers were run over by a passing train in Choura Bazar near Amritsar on Friday. From the sports fraternity, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, former India cricketer Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh offered condolences to the families of the deceased.
Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, Rathore expressed his anguish for the tragic train accident.
"Anguished by the tragic train accident in Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," he said on Twitter.
Former India opener Sehwag was also upset to hear such a "heart-wrenching news". In a tweet expressing his emotions, he also told his followers where they can donate blood to help the injured.
"Just heard about the heart-wrenching news of the terrible train accident in Amritsar. My prayers for the families affected. Those who wish to donate blood should arrive at the Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Hospital in Amritsar," Sehwag wrote.
Harbhajan was also deeply saddened by the unfortunate train incident as he tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the unfortunate train incident that occurred in #Amritsar. It's unfortunate what the people went through. My heart goes out to the families and friends who lost their loved ones."
India opener Shikhar Dhawan also joined in, saying: "Extremely saddened to see the loss of lives in Amritsar #trainaccident. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families."
India fast bowler Deepak Chahar shared helpline numbers to help the families of the deceased.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced Rs 5 lakh for the kin of each deceased and free treatment for the injured, officials said there was no decision as yet on any compensation from the Railways.
