Oct. 19 (UPI) — At least 50 people were killed and more than 200 injured Friday when a train struck a group of people gathered on the railway in India, police said.
The crowd was watching fireworks celebrating the Hindu festival of Dusshera in Amristar, in northern Punjab state, and did not hear the approaching train, eyewitnesses said.
The accident occurred at the celebration’s finale, featuring the loud burning of a firecracker-filled effigy of a demon. Groups of onlookers retreated from the fire and spilled onto the tracks as two trains arrived from separate directions on parallel tracks. Although one train stopped, it gave the onlookers little opportunity to escape the other train, officials said.
Officials say the death toll could rise, BBC News reported.
Rajesh Sharma, Punjab magistrate for Armristar, said 50 dead were found after the incident.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the officials who sent condolences and called for medical treatment for the injured.
Narendra Modi
✔@narendramodi
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.
