The deplorable train tragedy in Amritsar in which 60 people were crushed to death and several others injured, brings the focus to how safety in public places needs to be taken more seriously in the country, say Bollywood celebrities who have sent out prayers for the victims.
The film fraternity expressed shock over the incident which took place on the festival of Dussehra on Friday. A 700 strong crowd was watching a huge Ravana effigy go up in flames amid exploding crackers when on the Joda Phatak track near Dhobi Ghat the Jalandhar-Amritsar DMU passenger train heading to Hoshiarpur from Amritsar came hurtling down around 7 p.m.
In just 10-15 seconds, it left behind a heap of crushed and dismembered bodies.
Here's how the celebrities reacted:
Farhan Akhtar: 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.
Alia Bhatt. Wikimedia Commons
Anil Kapoor: 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.
Alia Bhatt: The Amritsar train accident is heartbreaking. Terrible thing to have happened. This is just another example our extremely poor attitude towards caution and safety. Prayers for all those suffering.
Shekhar Kapur: Absolutely horrific tragedy. Heart goes to the kin of those that dies and injured. Let's not politicise this tragic event that has left more than 60 dead and huge numbers seriously injured… obviously there will be an inquiry later.
Diana Penty: Absolutely shocked at hearing the news of the train accident 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. (IANS)