Punjab train accident: The incident happened when a train ran over a group of people watching Dusshera celebrations on Friday evening in Choura Bazar area of Amritsar.
Amritsar train accident LIVE UPDATES, Over 60 people were killed as train travelling from Pathankot to Amritsar ran over a group of people watching Dusshera celebrations in Amritsar on Friday. The incident was reported from near Choura Bazar area of the city.
India TV's Exclusive video shows scores being mowed down by speeding train during Dusshera celebrations in Amritsar
A large number of people were standing along the railway tracks and were watching the Ravan effigy in flames when a speeding train ran over them. The crowd reportedly could not hear the hooting of the train due to the exploding crackers.
Train runs over crowd watching Dussehra celebrations in Amritsar
There were reportedly around 700 people present at the accident spot. Those dead included children, said witnesses.
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According to reports, people ran towards the railway track fearing the burning of crackers during the Dussehra celebrations.
Meanwhile, police said that there are more than 50 casualties. They added they are evacuating people and the injured have been shifted to nearby hospital.
Another statement from Amritsar Police Commissioner SS Srivastava said, "Exact figure is not known but it is definitely more than 50-60. We are still evacuating people."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the incident and offered condolences to the families of deceased.
“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 &I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required,” the prime minister tweeted.
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh also took to twitter and expressed grief over the incident.
‘Shocked to hear of tragic rail accident in Amritsar. Have asked all govt and private hospitals to stay open to help in this hour of grief. District authorities have been directed to take up relief and rescue operations on a war footing,’ he tweeted.
The chief minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the family members of the deceased.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief over the incident and tweeted '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.'
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways have issued helpline numbers for the train disaster.
The Helpline telephone numbers are:
Manawala station- Rly -73325, BSNL - 0183-2440024; Power Cabin ASR-Rly - 72820, BSNL - 0183-2402927; Vijay Sahota,SSE: 7986897301 and Vijay Patel, SSE: 7973657316
