Punjab mourns under major loss; relief, rehabilitation efforts for victims continue

Amritsar, October 20: On Friday, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered an inquiry into the tragic Amritsar Train Accident in which at least 61 people were killed and 72 injured and declared one -day mourning in the state on Saturday.

The persons injured in the train accident last evening are being treated in various hospitals including Civil hospital, Guru Nanak Hospital, Hartej hospital, Amardeep hospital, IVI hospital, Sri Guru Ram Das Hospital and Fortis hospital.

Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced compensation of five lakh rupees each for the next of kin of those killed and free treatment for the injured. CM Singh ordered an inquiry into the incident and set up a crisis management group of his Cabinet colleagues.

Chief Minister, who was scheduled to leave for Israel this evening, has postponed his trip & will fly to Amritsar in the morning to personally supervise relief operations & meet families of the victims of the incident, which occurred during Dussehra festivities.

Chief Minister tweeted, “The state will remain in mourning tomorrow in view of #Amritsar train mishap. All offices & educational institutions will remain closed.”

In another tweet he expressed, “Have set up Crisis Management Group under @BrahmMohindra to monitor relief & rehabilitation efforts in #Amritsar. Won’t spare any efforts on part of govt to tackle the crisis.”

Punjab’s Home Secretary, Health Secretary & DGP (Law & Order) have left for Amritsar.