Punjab: At least 50 dead as train runs over Dussehra revellers

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In a horrific incident, at least 50 people glued to watching a burning Ravan effigy while standing on railway tracks were crushed by a speeding train here in Punjab on Friday.

The train mowed down bystanders within seconds as it zipped though them -- crushing and blowing away anybody who came in its way. At least 300 unsuspecting people were at the spot watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.

The celebratory crowd broke into chaos as cries and wails filled the air. Dismembered body parts of revellers laid strewn on tracks and on the blood-soaked ground. An eyewitness told reporters near the accident site that scenes were reminiscent of ones witnessed during the Partition of the country when millions of people lost their lives in violence.

For several mothers, who were till just moments ago celebrating the festivities, the few fateful moments changed the life forever. Shock and disbelief were common emotions.

"I have lost my child. I want him back," said an inconsolable mother. A local resident said they have been requesting the authorities and their representatives in legislatures to talk with the railways and make sure trains are slowed down near this section of the track during Dussehra. "But no one has listened," he lamented. There was also anger among the people.

"The driver didn't blow the horn," alleged one of the witnesses.

The train was going from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak. Sub Divisional Magistrate Amritsar I Rajesh Sharma said 52 people have died and at least 72 injured have been admitted to Amritsar hospital.

As the effigy was lit and the fireworks went off, a section of the crowd started retreating towards the tracks where a large number of people were already standing to watch the event, officials said.

These numbers 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.

MoS Manoj Sinha, Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani, GM/NR Vishwesh Chaubey will take off from Delhi by an Air Force plane at 11pm.

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in the US, is cancelling all his engagements there to rush back. He said, "Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations." Railway officials termed the dead as "trespassers" and said there was no decision so far on any compensation from the national transporter as they were not passengers.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the kin of each deceased and free treatment for the injured. The death toll, according to local officials could reach 100.

The accident comes days after five people died and around 35 injured after five coaches and the engine of the New Farakka Express derailed near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on October 12.

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Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from PTI