Jaitley Expresses Grief over Punjab Train Tragedy

New Delhi [India], Oct 19 (ANI): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday expressed his grievances over the death of more than 50 people in the train accident in Punjab's Amritsar during Dussehra celebrations.

Speaking to ANI, Jaitley said, "Innocent people who had gone there to celebrate Dussehra themselves became victims of a very big tragedy, a lot of people have been injured as well. This is a tragedy that could have been avoided had the necessary steps been taken."

Jaitley further said, "But the time right now is for every agency from the state and the central governments, the railways, Zila authorities, etc, to come together to help the injured, provide them medical care, relief.. I just spoke with the Minister of State for Railways, Manoj Sinha, he said he will reach there, along with other officials and ministers from the Central government. I am confident that in the next few hours, all the injured will be attended to and provided relief."

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the tragic accident and announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also approved an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the mishap while announcing a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the injured.

The incident took place when people were watching Dussehra celebrations near a train track in Choura Bazar on Friday. Several people also got injured in the incident and have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. (ANI)

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