Death toll in India train tragedy reaches 60
Death toll in India train tragedy reaches 60

The death toll in a deadly train accident in northern India’s Punjab province has crossed 60, with dozens of others injured, according to local officials. The incident took place late on Friday when a speeding train ran over a crowd watching fireworks during a religious festival. An eye witness told reporters that the train had […]

The death toll in a deadly train accident in northern India’s Punjab province has crossed 60, with dozens of others injured, according to local officials. The incident took place late on Friday when a speeding train ran over a crowd watching fireworks during a religious festival.

An eye witness told reporters that the train had not even sounded its whistle as it sped past the site, where hundreds were watching the burning of an effigy of the demon king Ravana during the Hindu festival of Dussehra.

The death toll is likely to go up as dozens of critically wounded people are battling for their lives in various hospitals across the state, health officials said.

Punjab government ordered state mourning. All offices and educational institutions remained closed on Saturday in wake of the tragedy. A crisis management group under Punjab health minister Brahm Mohindra has been set up to monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to express his condolences over the tragic event. “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,” he wrote.

PM Modi approved a financial relief of Rs 2 lakh for the family of each deceased in the train accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured, reported India’s state-run agency PTI.