A mass cremation takes place of train accident victims in Shiv Puri Cremation Grounds at Durgiana temple in Amrtsar on Oct. 20. An express train ploughed through a crowd of festival goers who were standing along train tracks on Oct. 19. (Photo by IANS)
Indian bishops expressed their condolences over the death of some 60 people killed when a speeding train ran through a crowd attending a Hindu festival in Punjab state.
At least 90 people were also seriously injured when the Jalandhar-Amritsar express ploughed through the crowd who were standing on a rail line celebrating the Dussera festival in northern Amritsar city on Oct. 19.
The Indian bishops are "deeply shocked and saddened" by the accident, said a statement from Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India.
The accident occurred during the festival’s high point celebrating the victory of Hindu god Rama over demon king Ravanan which includes the use of firecrackers and large effigies being set alight. Some festival goers retreated from the fireworks, joining others already on and around the tracks.
They reportedly didn’t hear the train before it mowed them down. The train did not stop after the accident but continued onto its destination where the driver alerted the authorities.
"This tragedy once again underlines the need to enhance railway and road safety as well as enforcement of safety norms in the organization of celebrations," said Bishop Mascarenhas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among political leaders to express grief over the tragedy. Modi announced compensation for the families of the dead and injured. The national leader also said there would be an inquiry into the accident.
Families of the dead and injured have conducted protests demanding action against those responsible. At least 27 trains in Punjab were suspended from running due to several sit in protests along railway tracks.
Protesters have threatened to block all train traffic unless action is taken against railway officials and organizers of the festival committee.
Religious festivals in India have an unflattering safety record with at least 869 people being killed from 2005 to 2016, according to official records.
The Indian railway is the fourth-largest railway network in the world with 175,439 miles of total track.