#AmritsarTrainTragedy: Man, who played Ravana, dies; eyewitnesses recall horror
What's the story
In the train tragedy near Amritsar, which killed at least 60 and injured 71, the man who played Ravana also lost his life, ANI reports. Dalbir Singh essayed the role of Ravana in the Ramleela. He has an eight-month-old baby and his grieving mother demanded a government job for her daughter-in-law. A train mowed over people reveling in Dussehra celebrations making it this year's worst train tragedy.
What happened
While Ravana's effigy was burning, train ran over people
The incident took place at Joda Phatak near Amritsar where revelers were watching 'Ravan-dahan' in a ground close to the track and a train, coming from Jalandhar, ran over them. Reportedly, stunned spectators didn't realize what happened till the 74643 Jalandhar-Amritsar DMU flashed past them. Those who rushed to the adjacent track to save themselves were reportedly run over by 13006 Amritsar-Howrah Express.
Twitter Post
Grieving mother wants job for daughter-in-law
#Amritsar: Dalbir Singh (pic 1), who played the role of Ravan in a Ramlila in the city during Dussehra celebrations, died in #AmritsarTrainAccident, yesterday. His mother (pic 3) says, "I appeal to the govt to provide a job to my daughter-in law. She also has a 8-month old baby." pic.twitter.com/MFDHVhwf4G
— ANI (@ANI) October 20, 2018
Horror
Eyewitness claims driver didn't sound horn, another blames administration
The eyewitnesses were in disbelief as the celebration turned tragic. The train left behind dismembered bodies and wailing people. An eyewitness alleged the train driver didn't blow the horn, while another woman cried inconsolably as she had lost her son. Yet another eyewitness blamed the administration and Railways. "They should have made sure that the train halts or slow down," he said.
Details
Since chief guest arrived late, event was delayed, says another
Mintoo, a migrant laborer told HT, they didn't see the train as it was dark. "Everyone was watching the effigy in flames when the train suddenly appeared. Families have been wiped out," he said. Padam Singh Dhingra, a businessman, said the event was supposed to begin at 6:15 PM. It got delayed as Chief Guest Navjot Kaur Sidhu, wife of MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu, arrived late.
Quote
In just 10-15 seconds, many died: Eyewitness
"It took just about 10-15 seconds for the train to pass and leave behind a heap of crushed and dismembered bodies," an eyewitness said. Another eyewitness, Vicky Thakur, said the area was not suitable to hold such a huge crowd.
Railways' stand
Railway officials call it clear case of trespassing
A senior Railway official told PTI the incident was a clear case of trespassing and no permission regarding the event was sought from them. He added local administration should take responsibility. "We weren't kept in the loop and we provided no permission for the event," he said. When asked why the driver didn't halt despite seeing people, the official said smoke affected his vision.