At least 61 people were killed and 72 injured on Friday evening after a train ploughed through a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled onto the tracks while watching a Ravan effigy being burnt.

As the effigy was lit and fireworks went off in Joda Phatak, a part of the 300-strong crowd began retreating towards the nearby tracks where a large number of spectators were already standing, officials said.

An eyewitness said the revellers could not hear the sound of the approaching trains because of the bursting of firecrackers.

Wails and screams filled the air as friends and relatives searched frantically for their loved ones.

Severed bodies, including those of many children, lay scattered on the blood-soaked ground hours after the tragedy, with angry mobs refusing to let the authorities remove them. Many bodies could not be identified.

People chanted slogans against local MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who had been the chief guest at the Ravan Dahan event. She later said she had rushed to the local hospital immediately after the accident.

“I have lost my child; I want him back,” a mother sobbed.

“We had several times requested the authorities and local leaders to ask the railways to slow the trains down near this place during Dussehra, but no one listened,” a resident said.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condolences.

“Extremely saddened by the train accident in Amritsar. The tragedy is heart-wrenching,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

“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.”

Kovind said: “Shocked to hear about the tragedy on rail tracks in Amritsar, Punjab. Understand Indian Railways and local authorities are taking steps to help affected people.”

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the dead. He said he was rushing to the spot to supervise rescue and relief operations. He also announced free treatment for all the injured.

Amritsar sub-divisional magistrate Rajesh Sharma said the injured had been admitted to a hospital in Amritsar.

Junior railway minister Manoj Sinha, Railway Board chairman Ashwani Lohani and Northern Railway general manager Vishwesh Chaube were headed to the spot.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal said relief and rescue operations were being conducted.