Page 422 - Disaster Accident
Amritsar train accident: Punjab CM orders inquiry, declares 1-day mourning
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragic Amritsar train accident in which at least 58 people were killed and 72 injured and declared one-day mourning in the state on Saturday. The chief minister, who was scheduled to leave for Israel this evening, has postponed his trip and will fly to Amritsar in the morning to personally supervise relief operations and meet families of the victims of the incident, which occurred during Dussehra festivities, an official statement said. "The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of #Amritsar train mishap. All offices & educational institutions will remain closed," the chief minister tweeted. "Have set up Crisis Management Group under @BrahmMohindra to monitor relief & rehabilitation efforts in #Amritsar. Won't spare any efforts on part of govt to tackle the crisis," he said in another tweet. According to Raveen Thukral, media advisor to the chief minister, initial reports suggest the incident ...
Amritsar train mishap: Punjab CM orders probe, announces ex-gratia
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered an inquiry into the tragic train accident in Amritsar in which more than 50 people are feared dead.Extending his sympathies to the families of the deceased, the Chief Minister has also announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, besides all possible support and help to them, read an official statement.The Chief Minister has set up a Crisis Management Group to monitor the relief and rehabilitation efforts. The group is led by Health Minister Brahm Mohindra, with Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Technical Education Minister Charanjit S Channi as members.The team has rushed to the accident site.Amarinder Singh, who was scheduled to leave for Israel this evening, has also postponed his trip and will fly to Amritsar in the morning to personally assess the damage and meet the families of the victims of the mishap."Initial reports suggest that the mishap occurred during
Modi approves financial relief of Rs 2 lakh to kin of dead in Amritsar train accident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday approved a financial relief of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased in the Amritsar train accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured, a spokesperson said. More than 50 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers, who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of a Ravana effigy, was run over by a train in Amritsar. The train was coming from Jalandhar. The incident happened at Joda Phatak where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the railway tracks. "Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching," Modi tweeted earlier this evening. "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," he said. Railways has issued helpline numbers 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485 for information on the ...
At least 58 dead as train runs over Dussehra revellers in Punjab
At least 58 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near here, officials said. The train was going from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks. Sub Divisional Magistrate Amritsar (I) Rajesh Sharma said 58 people have died and at least 72 injured have been admitted to Amritsar hospital. However, Raveen Thukral, media advisor to Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, put the number of dead at 40, adding the toll could rise. 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. However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little opportunity to people to escape,
Train runs over 50 Dussehra revellers in Punjab (Third Lead)
In a terrible disaster, at least 50 people watching the burning of a Ravan effigy from a railway track were crushed by a speeding train here in Punjab on Friday, triggering anger in the area and nationwide outrage.
Amritsar train accident: Rail Minister Goyal says immediately returning from US
Hours after the Amritsar train accident Friday, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal cancelled all his engagements in the US and said he is immediately returning to India. The minister, who is in the US to receive the prestigious Carnot prize for his contribution towards sustainable energy solutions, said Railways is proving all possible assistance at the accident site. "May God give strength to the bereaved and injured. Railways is proving all possible assistance at the site. I have cancelled all engagements in USA and immediately returning back to India," Goyal tweeted. At least 52 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers, who had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of a Ravana effigy, was run over by a train in Amritsar. Railways has issued helpline numbers 0183-2223171, 0183-2564485 for information on the incident. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani and Northern Railway general ...
Oppn attacks Cong-led state govt over Punjab train accident
A tragic train accident here on Friday took a political turn with the Opposition accusing the state's Congress government for lapses in allowing celebrations near railway tracks and Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu's wife facing allegations of leaving the site soon after the incident. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was the chief guest at the event, later talked to media at a hospital where injured were taken and said her priority was to ensure they receive proper treatment. "The effigy of Ravana was burnt and I had just left the site when the incident happened. Priority should be to get the injured treated," she said. She also asked people to refrain from politicising the issue. Union minister and Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the entire onus was on the state government. "There are not enough words to mourn the Amritsar train tragedy that claims so many innocent lives. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. The incident needs to be probed as it casts ...
Jharkhand CM expresses grief over Amritsar train accident
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Friday said he was saddened by the train tragedy in Amritsar in which at least 52 people were crushed to death while celebrating Dussehra. In a statement, Das prayed for peace of the souls of the deceased and strength to their family members at this hour of grief. At least 52 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Amritsar.
Dussehra turns tragic in Amritsar as train runs through revellers
Heart-rending scenes were witnessed here as Dussehra celebrations turned tragic Friday when a train ploughed through people standing across the tracks watching and revelling as the effigy of Ravana went up in smoke. The train mowed down at least 52 revellers 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 ...
President, PM mourn Punjab train tragedy
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of political parties on Friday expressed shock and grief over a train tragedy that claimed at least 30 lives during a Dussehra celebration in Punjab.
Kejriwal condoles Punjab deaths
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday expressed condolences over the death of people who were crushed by a speeding train while watching a Ravan effigy in flames in Amritsar.
Train accident:PM, Prez condole loss of lives; officials asked to provide immediate help
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday condoled the loss of lives in tragic Amritsar train accident and directed officials to provide immediate assistance. "Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching," Modi tweeted. "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," he said. Separately, President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted to pay his condolences to the bereaved families. "Shocked to hear about the tragedy on rail tracks in Amritsar, Punjab. Understand Indian Railways and local authorities are taking steps to help affected people," he said. Several people were mowed down by a passing train when they were standing across railway tracks in Amritsar to watch burning of Ravana effigy as part of Dussehra celebrations. BJP president Amit Shah said he has asked local party workers to join the rescue operation. "I .
At least 52 dead as train runs over Dussehra revellers in Punjab
At least 52 people were killed and 72 injured Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near here, officials said. The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground near the tracks. 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. However, two trains arrived from the opposite direction at the same time giving little opportunity to people to escape, they said. Several people were mowed down by one of the trains, they said. Wails and cries of people filled the air as friends and ...
Amritsar accident: Kejriwal asks AAP volunteers to help authorities in relief work
AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Friday asked Aam Aadmi Party volunteers to help authorities in Punjab in carrying out relief work after a tragic train accident in Amritsar in which at least 50 people have died. Several people were mowed down by a passing train when they were standing across railway tracks in Amritsar to watch burning of a Ravana effigy as part of Dussehra celebrations. "Extremely sad news coming about a major train accident near Amritsar I appeal to all our volunteers in the area to help authorities in the relief work and provide whatever help we can in this moment of crisis," Kejriwal tweeted. Officials said at least 50 bodies have been found and many injured have been admitted to a government hospital. They said the final toll may rise. Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted,"Absolutely devastated to hear about the tragic train accident in Amritsar. May God grant strength to those who lost a loved one &
Amarinder Singh leaves for Amritsar after tragedy
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh rushed to Amritsar on Friday in the wake of a train accident in which about 30 people who were watching 'Ravan Dahan' while standing on a railway track were crushed by a speeding train.
Punjab train disaster: Rajnath promises Centre's help
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday spoke to the Punjab government over the mowing down of people watching the burning of Ravan effigy by a speeding train in Amritsar and assured him of Centres assistance.
Railway officials rush to train accident site in Punjab
Railways Friday rushed its top officials to Amritsar as several Dussehra revellers were run over by a passing train, while Union minister Piyush Goyal said immediate relief and rescue operations are being conducted. Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani and Northern Railway general manager Vishwesh Chaube are rushing to the spot, officials said. "Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations," Goyal tweeted from the US where he had gone to attend an event. While Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh announced Rs 5 lakh for kin of each deceased and free treatment for the injured, officials said there was no decision as yet on any compensation from the railways.
Mamata expresses grief at Amritsar train accident
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Friday night expressed grief at the death of several people in the train accident in Amritsar during Dussehra celebrations there. She said she was left with no words to express her shock and agony. "Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities," Banerjee wrote on Twitter. "My heart goes out to the family members of the victims. Pray that the injured persons recover very quickly," she added. At least 50 people were killed when a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train near Amritsar.
Modi mourns train tragedy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the death of several people in a train tragedy during a Dussehra celebration in Punjab.
Train kills 30 Dussehra revellers in Punjab
In a horrific incident, at least 30 people glued to watching a burning Ravan effigy while standing on railway tracks were crushed by a speeding train here in Punjab on Friday.