At least 50 people are dead and many others injured after a train ran over a crowd of people celebrating Dussehra in Amritsar, India, on Friday. The crowd had reportedly spilled onto a train track when the train came through, the Times of India reported.
A crowd consisting of some 300 people was watching the burning of an effigy when the train barreled through, according to the Hindustan Times.
"Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter. "The tragedy is heart wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly. Have asked officials to provide immediate assistance that is required."
A police officer told Reuters people were sitting "on and near the tracks," when the commuter train ran through. Those in the crowd did not hear the train due to fireworks and other sounds from the revelry.
At least 60 people were transported for medical treatment, Reuters reported. Graphic photos from the scene showed bystanders and authorities aiding the injured at the scene of the accident. It appeared the train did not stop after plowing through the crowd.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
