Families grieve loss of lives in Amritsar train accident
In one of the most deadly train accident India has ever seen, 59 people lost their lives and over 60 people suffered injuries after a crowd of Dussehra revellers spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy in Amritsar, and were mowed down in just a matter of three seconds. The train was coming from Jalandhar when the accident occurred at Joda Phatak near Amritsar, where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.
According to officials, a section of the crowd started retreating towards the tracks where a large number of people were standing to watch the event as the effigy was lit and the fireworks went off. However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little time to people to escape. Soon wails and cries filled the air as severed bodies, including of children, were seen lying at the site.
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It was a heart-rending sight as the dismembered body parts laid strewn on the blood-soaked ground, and many were difficult to be identified. People shouted slogans against former local MLA and wife of Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was present as chief guest during the event, alleging she left the venue after the accident. She, however, said she had left the place before the accident took place and rushed to the hospital the moment she came to know of it. She said the railways should have ensured that trains slow down near that section of the track during Dussehra celebrations.
The incident sent shock waves across the country. There was an outpouring of grief with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoling the loss of lives. Modi announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the family of the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured. He also directed officials to provide immediate assistance.
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Punjab CM orders inquiry, declares 1-day mourning
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the tragic train accident and declared one-day mourning in the state on Saturday. All offices and educational institutions will remain closed in the state today. The chief minister, who was scheduled to leave for Israel this evening, has postponed his trip and will fly to Amritsar this morning to personally supervise relief operations and meet families of the victims of the incident. Singh has announced compensation of Rs five lakh each to the kin of the deceased.
Services between Amritsar, Jalandhar affected after train accident
All services between Jalandhar and Amritsar remained suspended hours after the incident, while some trains are being diverted and many are stranded near Jalandhar. As of now, two trains — Bhatinda-Jammu Tawi and Jammu Tawi-Bhatinda — have been diverted towards Jalandhar-Pathankot route. Two trains — Amritsar-Mumbai Golden Temple and Amritsar-Dehradun — are stuck at Amritsar because of the accident.
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Railway Minister Piyush Goyal cancels all engagements in the US, set to return to India
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in the US to receive the prestigious Carnot prize for his contribution towards sustainable energy solutions, cancelled all his engagements in the US and said he is immediately returning to India. He said Railways is providing all possible assistance at the accident site.
Opposition attacks Cong-led state govt over Punjab train accident, targets Sidhu's wife
The tragic train accident became a political blame game with the Opposition holding Punjab's Congress government responsible for allowing the Dussehra event near railway tracks and accusing ex-MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu of running away from the site. Sidhu, wife of Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu who was the chief guest at the event, later talked to media at a hospital where injured were taken and said the incident happened after she had left. Union minister and Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the entire onus was on the state government.
BJP leader and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the initial reports suggest it was a tragedy that could have been avoided. Another Akali leader Bikram Majithia demanded registration of a case against Sidhu's wife and arrest of those who gave permission for holding function near rail track. Some opposition leaders also alleged that the Dussehra was organised by the Congress near the tracks without receiving any proper approval. Former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal demanded an inquiry by a retired high court judge to fix responsibility and punish the guilty.
Railways issues helpline numbers
These numbers issued by the Indian Railways can be used reach for information on the incident -- 01832223171 and 01832564485. Telephone numbers at Manawala station are 0183-2440024, 0183-2402927 and Ferozpur's helpline number is 01632-1072.
