At least eight people were killed and over a dozen injured after a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station on Tuesday afternoon.
The tragic accident occurred around 4 p.m.(local time), when the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train traveling from Gevra to Bilaspur rammed into the rear of a freight train halted on the same track.
Rescue Operations Underway, Several in Serious Condition
Rescue and relief operations were immediately launched by railway and district officials. Bilaspur district collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed the death toll and said that multiple passengers remain in critical condition.
Teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police were deployed to assist in rescue efforts. The injured passengers were taken to Bilaspur District Hospital and nearby medical facilities.
Railways Announces Ex Gratia Compensation
In response to the tragedy, the Indian Railways announced an ex gratia compensation for the victims and their families:
- ₹10 lakh(Indian Rupees) for the next of kin of the deceased
- ₹5 lakh(Indian Rupees) for those seriously injured
- ₹1 lakh(Indian Rupees) for passengers with minor injuries
Railway authorities said that all available resources were mobilized at the accident site to ensure immediate medical assistance and restoration of the track.
“All necessary measures are being taken to provide medical treatment to the injured,” a senior railway official said.
Preliminary Probe Suggests Human Error
According to Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sao, the goods train was stationary when the MEMU passenger train collided with it from behind.
“The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged…” Sao told reporters while inspecting the accident site.
A preliminary report from the Railway Board indicated that the collision might have occurred due to the passenger train overshooting a red signal.
“Passing Signal at Danger by MEMU train seems to be the reason in the preliminary assessment by railway authorities,” the Railway Board said in a press note.
High-Level Inquiry Ordered by Railway Safety Commissioner
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry to determine the exact cause of the collision and suggest corrective safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“A detailed inquiry into the incident will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the exact cause and recommend necessary corrective actions,” the Railway Board added.
Rail Services Disrupted in the Region
Following the collision, train operations were temporarily suspended on the affected route. Railway officials said restoration work was underway and that normal services would resume once the damaged coaches and tracks were cleared.
Authorities have also advised passengers to check real-time train updates before travel, as multiple trains in the Bilaspur division have been diverted or delayed.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
This tragic crash once again raises concerns about signal adherence, operational coordination, and safety monitoring systems in Indian Railways. The CRS report, expected within days, will determine if human error or a technical fault led to the fatal accident.
Officials assured that stringent action will follow based on the inquiry’s findings to reinforce safety standards across India’s railway network.
