Dussehra evening turned tragic for the people of Amritsar, as reportedly 61 people were killed and many were left injured when a speeding train ran over them as per the report by The Times of India. The people had gathered to see the Dussehra celebration near Joda Phatak area of Chaura Bazaar in Amritsar.
Two trains crossed from opposite direction
People were watching the effigy of Ravana burning in flames standing on the railway track when the crackers were being burst, people retreated towards the tracks from the ground. A large number of people were standing on the tracks when suddenly two trains from opposite directions came and crushed the people standing on the tracks. Reportedly, two trains coming from opposite direction crossed in a span of two and a half minutes which gave people very little time to escape.
Congress MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu was the Chief Guest at the event, the incident reportedly took place around 7 pm.
State mourning
According to Times Now, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced Rs. 5,00,000 to the kin of each deceased in the accident and free treatment to those who have been injured. He has also set up a Crisis Management Group to look after the relief and rehabilitation activities. “Rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief and rescue in a tragic rail accident on Dussehra in Amritsar. My government will give Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased and free treatment to injured in government and private hospitals. District authorities have been mobilised on war-footing,” CM Amrinder Singh tweeted.
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.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) October 19, 2018
The government has declared the state mourning on October 20, all offices and institution will remain closed. Cm Amrinder Singh has also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the accident, report of which will be furnished in four weeks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid condolence to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy. He tweeted, “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”. Many national leaders and ministers have paid their condolence to the victims of the tragedy.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2018
As reported by ANI, PM Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured
“Clear case of trespassing”
Reportedly, the railways had not given permission for any such event in that area. A railway official said that this accident was a “clear case of trespassing”, the railways’ department was not informed about the Dussehra celebration near the site and no permission was given for any such event.
Dr Sandeep, Emergency Medical Officer, Civil Hospital has informed “Approximately, over 60 injured people, including children, have received medical treatment till now. Most people have suffered orthopaedic injuries, abrasions, head trauma and eye injuries”. Local people are angry after the accident and they sat on railway tracks to protest against it, after which several trains were stopped in the region.
The Logical Indian take
The ignorance and negligence of local administration and event organisers resulted in a big tragedy and loss of so many innocent lives. Incidents like these yet again point out to the fact that life is rather cheap in India. The compensation by providing money cannot replace the fact that the families have lost their loved ones because of their government’s negligence.
