At least 61 people were killed and 72 injured on Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train.
World leaders, including the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres Russia President Vladimir Putin and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, have expressed condolences to the families and friends of over 60 people who died in a train accident in Amritsar.
"My heart goes to all in Amritsar following Friday’s tragic accident. Earlier this month, I was honoured to visit the Golden Temple and witnessed the warmth and generosity of the people. My deepest condolences to those who have lost family and loved ones," Guterres said in a tweet.
At least 61 people were killed and 72 injured on Friday evening after a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto railway tracks while watching burning of Ravana effigy was run over by a train. The train was coming from Punjab's Jalandhar city when the accident occurred at Joda Phatak near Amritsar, where at least 300 people were watching 'Ravana dahan' at a ground adjacent to the tracks.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed his condolences on the tragedy. "Saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Amritsar India. Condolences go to the families of the deceased," Khan said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered condolences to India on the train accident, the Russian Embassy said. According to the Russian embassy, Putin offered condolences to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the train accident.
He conveyed his support to families of the victims of the train accident.
"I offer my deepest sympathies over tragic consequences of an accident on railways in the Punjab state. I ask to convey my words of sympathy and support to families and friends of the killed people and to wish the soonest recovery to those injured," Putin said, according to the Russian embassy.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condoled the accident in which 39 of the total 61 people killed have been identified so far.
"My thoughts are with everyone who has lost a loved one in the tragic train crash in Amritsar, India. Canadians are keeping you in our hearts tonight & wishing all those injured a full recovery," Trudeau said in a tweet.
The Punjab government has announced Rs 5 lakh compensation for the families of the accident victims.
A state mourning has been declared for Saturday, and all offices and educational institutions remain closed in the State.
The incident sent shock waves across the country. There was an outpouring of grief with President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore and several other leaders condoling the loss of lives.
(With PTI inputs)
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