Jhelum express derailment: Villagers first to reach out to passengers

LUDHIANA: In keeping with the Punjabi culture, people from nearby villages came out to help passengers of Jhelum Express after its 10 coaches derailed at 3.15am on Tuesday. The villagers not only offered water and tea, but also served food to passengers, who were anxious after the accident.

Around 4am, we came to know of the accident. There was a lot of noise. Announcements were made at the village gurdwaras and we all moved towards the spot to help the distressed passengers.We took water and tea for them,“ said Mangat Ram, a resident of Alowal village. His fellow villager, Buta Singh, said they also served them rusks, biscuits and bread. Amardas of Talwandi Kalan said residents of other villages, including Jagatpura and Panj Dhera, also came out to help. “It is difficult for the government to do anything immediately . As we were near, we arranged things for the passengers. They were sent in buses arranged by the Railways,“ he said. Dilbagh Singh from Panj Dhera village said they not only fed the passengers, but also the railway officials and cops, who had come early morning for rescue work and clearing of the tracks. “We have also made langar arrangements,“ he added.
“Villagers' contribution in helping passengers has been immense,“ said Dinesh Sharma, a railway employee.