Train crashes into crowd in India, 59 dead.
The victims were standing on the tracks watching the festival and were unaware when the train approached, leading to the tragedy.
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| Crowds gathered for the festival spilled onto the railway tracks. Photo: EPA |
At least 59 people died and 100 were injured after a train plowed into a crowd near the city of Amritsar in the Punjab state of India.BBCThe news reported that among the dead were children.
The victims were standing on the train tracks watching a performance at a Hindu festival. They apparently didn't hear the approaching train because they were distracted by the fireworks and the sounds emanating from the firecrackers.
Some news reports said that organizers had asked spectators to move away from the firework-shaped effigy, leading them to stand on the tracks. Others said the crowd stood on the tracks out of fear the firework effigy would catch fire and collapse.
According to witnesses, many people standing on the tracks were so engrossed in filming the festival with their phones that they didn't notice the train speeding towards them. The train crashed into the crowd traveling from Jalandhar to Amritsar. "I was the one who pulled the bodies off the tracks... My hands were covered in blood," witness Amar Nath recounted.
Amit Kumar, a local resident, said it's common for people to sit or stand on the railway tracks to watch the festival.
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The body of a victim lies on the train tracks in Amritsar after the accident. Photo:AP. |
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh described the incident as a "tragedy". "We will do everything in our power to support those injured," he said. "I have instructed the district authorities to take care of everyone and ensure the best possible medical care is provided to the victims."
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident. The death toll is likely to rise further.