Mukherjee condoles loss of lives of pilgrims

President Pranab Mukherjee today expressed grief over the tragic train accident in Bihar that left 37 pilgrims dead and asked the central as well as state authorities to intensify rescue efforts.
In a message, he conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and offered prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.
Mukherjee called upon the authorities concerned to engage in speedy relief and rescue efforts and asked the people of the area to cooperate with them.
The 37 pilgrims including women and children were killed when the speeding express train ploughed into them in Khagaria district, 160 km from capital Patna.

The 'kanwarias' or devotees of Lord Shiva were walking along the tracks at Dhamara Ghat station after alighting from the Samastipur-Saharsa passenger train when the Saharsa-Patna Rajyarani Express travelling at 80 kmph, ran over them.
The incident triggered angry protests by locals who attacked train drivers, set ablaze a coach and vandalised the station.