Amritsar train accident: CM directs officials to rush to spot

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh on Friday night directed senior officials to rush to the train accident site where more than 50 people were killed while they were watching Dussehra celebrations near train track in Choura Bazar.

The Chief Minister will fly to Amritsar tomorrow to assess the situation.

Singh tweeted, "Shocked to hear of tragic rail accident in Amritsar. Have asked all government 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."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also 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."

Punjab Police Commissioner, SS Srivastava confirmed, "There are more than 50 casualties. The injured have been rushed to the hospital and passengers are being evacuated."

The unfortunate incident took place when people were burning the effigy of Ravan near the railway track. Several people also got injured in the incident and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The local passenger train, 74943 DMU, was coming from Pathankot. The CPRO (Northern) said, "As per initial information, the incident took place at gate number 27 between Amritsar and Manawala. As Dusshera celebrations and Raavan dahan was taking place, some incident had occurred and people started rushing towards closed gate number 27 while the DMU train number 74943 was passing the closed gate. Further information is being collected."

The police and local Railway officers have rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation and carry out rescue operation.