Train runs over people celebrating Dusshera near Amritsar; Death toll passes 50, more than 100 admitted

More than 50 people witnessing the Dusshera celebration were crushed to death near Amritsar. The Ravan dahan was happening in an event near the railway track. Residents of the nearby area were standing on the tracks when a speeding train hit the crowd leading to more than 50 losing their lives.

The accident happened near Joda Phatak area and the train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar. As per eyewitnesses the victims reportedly could not hear the train coming due to the firecrackers exploding near the effigy. The dead also includes children. As per reports, there were close to 500 people at the spot. Close to 100 people have been admitted to the hospital with injuries.

#WATCH The moment when the DMU train 74943 stuck people watching Dussehra celebrations in Choura Bazar near #Amritsar (Source:Mobile footage-Unverified) pic.twitter.com/cmX0Tq2pFE

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

“The people were sitting on and near the tracks on the outskirts of Amritsar watching the burning of effigies as part of the Dussehra festival when a commuter train ran over them,” a police officer told Reuters.

Latest reports suggest that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Rs 2 lakhs for the family of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured in Amritsar train accident.