Amritsar Train Accident a Heart Wrenching Tragedy, Says PM Modi

Over 60 people were killed after a local train plowed into a crowd watching dussehra celebrations near Jora Phatak.

Over 60 people were killed after a train plowed into a crowd watching dussehra celebrations near Jora Phatak on 19 October, Friday.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Expressing his condolences and calling the train accident in Amritsar’s Jora Phatak a “heart-wrenching tragedy”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 19 October said that he has asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Punjab Amarinder Singh has announced a day of state mourning on Saturday, 20 October, to mourn the loss of lives due to the train accident.

Over 60 people were killed after a train plowed into a crowd watching dussehra celebrations near Jora Phatak on 19 October, Friday.

“Authorities Mobilised on War Footing”

Capt Amarinder Singh has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those who have died in the accident.

“Rushing to Amritsar to personally supervise relief and rescue in tragic rail accident on Dussehra in Amritsar. My govt will give Rs 5 lakh to kin of each deceased and free treatment to injured in govt and private hospitals. District authorities have been mobilised on war footing,”the chief minister announced in his tweet.

Union Minister for Railways Piyush Goyal has cancelled his meetings in USA after learning about the train accident and has ordered immediate relief and rescue operations.

Pained Beyond Words: Rajnath Singh

Home Minister Rajnath Singh has announced all possible assistance to Punjab from Centre after the tragedy claimed over 60 lives.

“I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP of the state regarding the train accident in Amritsar. They are rushing to the spot. Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief,” the Union Minister said.

Words not Enough to Mourn Tragedy: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Asking for probe as the accident which claimed over 60 lives, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has said that the accident casts serious questions on the administration.

Organiser, Police Must Answer: Sukhbir Singh Badal

President of Shiromani Akali Dal Sukhbir Singh Badal has sought answers from local organisers and police for allowing celebrations to be held near the railway track.