Amritsar Train Accident: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi Condole Demise; CM Amarinder Singh Announces Rs 5 Lakh Compensation

Chandigarh, October 19: Reacting to the fatal train accident in Amritsar which has claimed at least 60 lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he is deeply pained and has asked officials to extend all forms of assistance. Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed sorrow, calling it an unfortunate tragedy.

Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, who is enroute to the site of accident, announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of deceased. Apart from the Punjab CM, Union MoS Railways, Manoj Sinha, has also left from Delhi and is expected to reach the Joda Phatak in Amritsar -- where the accident happened -- shortly. Amritsar Train Accident: Several Watching Ravan Dahan at Joda Phatak Run Over by Train, Over 60 Feared Dead.

Here is how the top Ministers and leaders have reacted to the tragedy:

Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic train incident that occurred in Amritsar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. I pray for the injured to recover quickly. Railways is conducting immediate relief and rescue operations.

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) October 19, 2018

Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. 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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 19, 2018

I am pained beyond words to learn about the tragic train accident in Amritsar. I have spoken to the local BJP unit and asked our karyakartas to join the rescue operation. My deepest condolences with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for early recovery of those injured.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 19, 2018

I spoke to Home Secretary of Punjab and DGP of the state regarding the train accident in Amritsar. They are rushing to the spot. Centre is ready to provide all possible assistance to the state at this hour of grief.

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2018

The train accident in Punjab in which over 50 people have died is shocking. I urge the state government & Congress workers to provide immediate relief at the accident site. My condolences to the families of those who have died. I pray that the injured make a speedy recovery.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 19, 2018

Capt Amarinder Singh has issued a video message. Watch below:

#WATCH Punjab CM Amarinder Singh says " today's incident has been absolutely tragic. I am going to Amritsar tomorrow. The state is on full alert." pic.twitter.com/RHLO2LxAoa

— ANI (@ANI) October 19, 2018

The train accident was reported at around 7pm, when scores of people had gathered to watch the burning of a Ravana effigy at an event organised by the Congress party near Joda Phatak in Amritsar. The onlookers were caught by surprise as a speeding train ran over the tracks were dozens of people were standing to catch a view of the Ravan Dahan. Preliminary reports claimed that at least 60 were dead. According to Amritsar Police Commissioner SS Srivastava, the death toll is feared to rise.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2018 09:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).