The tragic train accident killing more than 60 people in Amritsar in Punjab has left the country in the state of mourning. While the Punjab government has announced a cash compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the additional monetary of Rs 2 lakh each.
The news evoked strong reactions on social media from commentators, politicians and celebrities alike. The opinion appeared divided on who exactly should have been held accountable for the tragedy. Some demanded the resignation of Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was in the US at the time of the accident. Other blamed Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu for allegedly leaving the spot soon after the accident.
Navjot Kaur, the wife of the Punjab minister Navjot Sidhu, was the chief guest of the dussehra event. Over 60 people were run over by a speeding train as they watched the dussehra celebrations. A significantly large group of people blamed the organisers of the dussehra event for holding the annual celebrations so close to a railway track. The victims too came under criticism for not employing care while watching the celebrations from an active railway track.
Meanwhile, actor Alia Bhatt has tweeted, blaming ‘our extremely poor attitude towards caution and safety.’ She wrote, “The #AmritsarTrainAccident is heartbreaking! Terrible terrible thing to have happened..This is just another example our extremely poor attitude towards caution and safety.. Prayers for all those suffering.”
The #AmritsarTrainAccident is heartbreaking! Terrible terrible thing to have happened..This is just another example our extremely poor attitude towards caution and safety.. Prayers for all those suffering ?????
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 20, 2018
The Udta Punjab actor’s tweet evoked mixed reactions from her fans with many saying that they were not convinced with her conclusion. One wrote, “Madam it is an accident. Kisine jaan buch Kar nahi kia hai.” “Safety? ? Whose fault is this? Why they celebrate program so close to the track? So mindless,” wrote another. One fan commented, “Raise your voice against administration apathy instead of just sending sympathetic tweets. You are now an icon and in position to influence people.”
In 2016, Alia’s Udta Punjab, which explored the rampant drug culture of Punjab had received rave reviews from critics.
Among other Bollywood artists, who expressed their condolences on the tragedy were Anil Kapoor, Ajay Devgn and Kapil Sharma among others. Here is how they reacted:
Shocked & saddened to hear about the Amritsar train tragedy. It seems so unfair for a horrific accident of this magnitude amidst celebrations of Dussehra. Providence has strange ways of throwing challenges at the humankind.
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) October 19, 2018
अमृतसर रेल दुर्घटना के बारे में सुन के बहुत दुःख हुआ। ईश्वर उनके परिवार वालों को इस त्रासदी से उभरने के लिए हौसला दे और जो लोग घायल हुए हैं उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने के लिए भगवान से प्रार्थना करता हूँ।
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) October 19, 2018
Thoughts and prayers for the victims of the tragedy in #Amritsar and for their families.. this is SO tragic!!!! Devastating news on a festive day. ???????? #AmritsarTrainAccident Strength to and prayers for all the affected!
— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) October 19, 2018
The #AmritsarTrainAccident is heartbreaking! Terrible terrible thing to have happened..This is just another example our extremely poor attitude towards caution and safety.. Prayers for all those suffering ?????
— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) October 20, 2018
Horrifying beyond words!
Prayers Prayers Prayers! ?#Amritsar #amritsartraintragedy— Koena Mitra (@koenamitra) October 19, 2018
Absolutely shocked at hearing the news of the #trainaccident in #Amritsar. I just cannot fathom how something like this could have happened. My deepest condolences to all the families that have lost their loved ones. Love and prayers ??
— Diana Penty (@DianaPenty) October 19, 2018
Deeply Hurt and saddened by the terrible train tragedy in Amritsar. Its heart-wrenching. My deepest condolences to the families of victims. My prayers with the affected ones for quick recovery. ??
— DILJIT DOSANJH (@diljitdosanjh) October 19, 2018
A tragic incident that could have been avoided if only. Sending my thoughts and prayers to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery for the ones injured. #Amritsar
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) October 19, 2018
Pained to hear about the Amritsar train tragedy. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families.
— Ajay Devgn (@ajaydevgn) October 19, 2018
Saddened to hear about the loss of life in #Amritsar. Safety in public spaces HAS TO be taken a lot more seriously. Deepest condolences to all families affected by this tragedy.
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 19, 2018
So disturbed to see the visuals of #AmritsarTrainincident ? have no words to express how sad is the whole incident. Mere negligence could cost so many lives. Wish it was not true. May God give strength to the families who lost their loved ones. Wish this was not true ?
— sonu sood (@SonuSood) October 19, 2018
Deeply saddened by the unfortunate train incident that occurred in #Amritsar. It's unfortunate what the people went through. My heart goes out to the families and friends who lost their loved ones.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) October 19, 2018
#amritsar please retweet. pic.twitter.com/DCCChAFlZL
— Rannvijay Singha (@rannvijaysingha) October 19, 2018
Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and I pray that the injured recover quickly….?
Waheguru ji Mehar kario…???— Gippy Grewal (@igippygrewal) October 19, 2018