Amritsar tragedy: Rajnath announces all possible assistance

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 19

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday announced all possible assistance by the Centre to Punjab as a large number of Dussehra revellers standing across railway tracks were mowed down by a passing train near Amritsar.

“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,” Singh tweeted soon after the incident.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was extremely saddened by Amritsar train accident. He asked officials to provide immediate assistance.

Congress chief Rahul Gandhi asked state government, party workers to provide immediate relief at Amritsar train accident site.

Railways is conducting immediate relief, rescue ops, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said.              

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. Heartfelt condolences to bereaved families #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 19, 2018

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

The train accident in Punjab in which over 50 people have died is shocking. I urge the state government & Congress workers to provide immediate relief at the accident site. My condolences to the families of those who have died. I pray that the injured make a speedy recovery.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 19, 2018

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.

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2018

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.

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 19, 2018

The home minister said he has spoken to home secretary and DGP of Punjab regarding the accident and they are rushing to the spot.

“Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief,” he said.

The train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred at Joda Phatak.

At least 300 people were at the spot watching ‘Ravana dahan’ at a ground near the tracks.

Sub Divisional Magistrate Amritsar I Rajesh Sharma said  More than 50 bodies have been found and at least 50 injured have been admitted to a government hospital.

The officials said the toll may rise. — With PTI