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By APD writer Rishika Chauhan
NEW DELHI, Oct. 20 (APD) : Dussehra celebrations, turned tragic for people in the province of Punjab, as a speeding train hit a crowd gathered to watch the burning of Ravan effigy, a custom followed during the festival, on Friday evening.
According to reports, more than 50 people have died and at least 70 injured in the train accident, which took place in the city of Amritsar in Punjab.
Initial reports state that the people ignored the closed level crossing and entered the area close to the railway tracks. As the train approached, the people gathered could not see or hear it coming due to the noise of exploding crackers.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Amarinder Singh expressed sadness and shock. Through a tweet, he said, "Shocked to hear of tragic rail accident in Amritsar.”
“Have asked all government & 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 further said.
The Punjab government also announced monetary compensation for the families of those who died in the accident.
Piyush Goyal, the Union Railways Minister who is in the US cancelled his engagements and is returning back to India.
The Prime Minister, President and Congress party President, all have conveyed their sorrow at the accident.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
