Amritsar, October 19: The administration has issued helpline numbers for the victims' kin to enquire about the whereabouts of their missing family members. With over 60 people dead and dozens more left injured, panic has gripped the kin of those who are yet to be traced at Joda Phatak in Amritsar, where the fatal train accident was reported amid Dussehra celebrations.
The accident was reported at 7pm -- when scores of locals had gathered to watch the burning of Ravana effigy at Joda Phatak. Amid the celebration, a speeding Pathankot-bound DMU train, which was approaching towards the site, remained unnoticed. As the train inched close, a chaos broke out leaving the people less than a few seconds to escape. Amritsar Train Accident Video: Watch The Moment When DMU Train 74943 Struck People Watching Dussehra Celebrations.
Here are the helpline numbers issued by the administration:
Helpline number for #Amritsar rail accident. @htTweets pic.twitter.com/exzy2WyDDh
— Faizan Haidar (@FaiHaider) October 19, 2018
Blood donors are also required on urgent basis in Amritsar. The Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Hospital, where the maximum number of victims are being treated, have issued an appeal asking people to come forward and donate their blood which is crucial for saving lives.
Blood donors are required for casualties resulting from the #AmritsarTrainAccident . Donors please report to Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Hospital in Amritsar. @BloodDonorsIn @iCanSaveLife
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) October 19, 2018
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of deceased. He has also left for Amritsar to personally monitor the relief operations.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 10:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).