Catholic bishops joined political and social leaders in India to express shock and grief over a “tragic railway accident” that killed more than 60 people in Punjab state’s Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhism. While condoling the death of “our brothers and sisters,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) noted that the victims met with their “an untimely” end while engaged in celebrating their religious festival, Dussehra.
As reported by mattersindia.com, a press note from CBCI secretary general Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas said, ““May God grant them eternal rest. Our hearts go out to the many families who are left inconsolable this evening mourning the loss of their dear ones.” His Grace Bishop Mascarenhas said the Indian Church joined in the families’ sorrow and pray to God for comfort and consolation. “May God grant complete healing to those injured in the accident,” Bishop Mascarenhas added. According to a video of the tragic accident, many victims were shooting videos on their mobile phones or taking selfies when the mowed them down.
According to reports, the tragedy occurred at 6:45 pm when a large number of people stood along the railway tracks to watch the Ravana effigy going up in flames as part of the Dussehra celebrations. At least 61 people were killed and 74 wounded after the train mowed down people at Joda Fatak level crossing.
Source: www.mattersindia.com
