Over 50 dead as Train runs into People watching Ravan Dahan in Amritsar

ONI Bureau: At least 50 people are feared dead, as a train ran into the people watching ‘Ravan Dahan’ on the railway tracks at Joda Phatak in Choura Bazar near Amritsar in Punjab. The burning of Ravan’s effigy during Dussehra celebrations was being organised near the railway tracks.

Video of the Tragedy:

Soon after Ravan’s effigy was set afire, people started moving on the railway tracks. A speeding train crossed at the same time, leading to the tragedy.

The injured have been rushed to the hospital. The Punjab Police confirms more than 50 casualties in the incident. Most of the deceased are said to be children. The death toll may rise to 100, it is believed. The mutilated dead bodies are lying scattered in and around the tracks.

Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu was the Chief Guest at the Ravan Dahan event. Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of each deceased.PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh have expressed grief over the shocking incident.

It’s not immediately known whether a safety lapse led to the mishap. Update: The death toll has gone up to 58.

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