PM Modi says Amritsar train tragedy 'heart-wrenching', announces Rs 2 lakhs for victims' families

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar on Friday evening that left over 50 people dead and several others injured, expressed his deepest condolence to the bereaved victims' families. He also announced Rs 2 lakhs each to victims' families.

"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&I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required," Modi tweeted.

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

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter and expressed his condolence.

"Pained beyond words at the loss of precious lives due to a train tragedy during Dussehra festivities in #Punjab. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured," Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted. 

Pained beyond words at the loss of precious lives due to a train tragedy during Dussehra festivities in Punjab. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers with the injured.

— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) October 19, 2018

Among other political leaders, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also expressed shock and sadness over the incident. She said she was left with no words to express her shock and agony.

"Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities," Banerjee wrote on Twitter.

"My heart goes out to the family members of the victims. Pray that the injured persons recover very quickly," she added.

Very very sad to learn about the unfortunate rail incident in Amritsar during Dussehra festivities.
I have no words to describe my shock and agony. My heart goes out to the family members of the victims. Pray that the injured persons recover very quickly.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) October 19, 2018

At least 50 people were killed when a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train - DMU train 74943 - near Amritsar.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarindar Singh has directed Home Secretary, Health Secretary and ADGP Law and Order to immediately rush to Amritsar. Revenue Minister Sukhbinder Sarkaria have been deputed to immediately reach Amritsar to oversee rescue operations, official sources said. The CM will visit Amritsar tomorrow to access the situation, an ANI report said.