AMRITSAR SAHIB, Punjab—An evening celebration of Dussehra quickly turned into a rescue mission late yesterday when a multi-car train crashed into a crowd of festival attendees. At least 60 people lost their lives and dozens more were injured when the speeding train mowed them down as they were celebrating. The victims reportedly could not hear the train whistle due to the exploding fireworks.
SGPC, the apex Sikh body that controls the vast majority of Gurdwaras in Punjab canceled its planned fireworks for Guru Raamdas Ji’s Gurpurab. It has since been providing aid to the victims of the tragedy.
UNITED SIKHS volunteers also reached the site of the accident and worked with local authorities to assess needs. To help provide relief in this time of crisis, the non-profit humanitarian charity distributed food to survivors and their families at local hospitals.
UNITED SIKHS Volunteers Provide Food to Injured Survivors & Their Families at Civil Hospital
“This tragic accident has devastated an entire community,” said Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Aid Director. “Many of the victims are unable to pay for funeral costs and transport their loved ones to their ancestral villages as a final resting place. We are working to provide them with the funds in their time of need.”
Railway officials are continuing search and rescue operations, as the death toll is expected to rise once the wreckage is fully cleared. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha ruled out any punitive action against the train conductor, citing no negligence on the part of the national transporter. The railway company will not provide any financial assistance to families of the victims, as it has considered the incident to be trespassing.
The state government has declared a state of mourning, and all offices and educational institutions remain closed in Punjab. UNITED SIKHS will organize an emergency blood drive in the coming days and deploy a team of healthcare providers to offer grief counseling.
UNITED SIKHS Volunteers Speak with Local Authorities to Assess Ground Conditions
To receive information on the search mission, please contact the following helplines:
Emergency Help
0183-2223171
0183-2564485
Unidentified Victims
0183-2421050
Manawala Station
Railways – 73325
BSNL – 0183-2440024
Power Cabin ASR
Railways – 72820
BSNL – 0183-2402927
Station Gates
9779232880
9779232558
