Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Nov 4: At least eight people were killed when a local passenger train rammed against a stationary goods train from behind near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday evening.
The Bilaspur collector Sanjay Agrawal said five deaths have been confirmed so far including the two bodies seen trapped in the debris while several others were injured, adding that the total number of injured had not been compiled as some trapped under a coach were being taken out. He added that at least one person was critically injured.
The accident occurred around 4 p.m. when the MEMU passenger train was heading to Bilaspur from Gevra (in neighbouring Korba district), the railway officials said. A police officer added that when the train was between Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations, the passenger train rammed into a goods train from behind, they said. Rescue operations are currently on. The Railway PRO said they have mobilised all resources and that all measures were being taken for the treatment of the injured.
Officials said the goods train was stationed, adding that it was the local train that hit it. Visuals from the accident site showed the MEMU passenger train’s front portion lodged on top of the goods train as tensions engulfed the scene. A constable present at the site said hydraulic cutters were being used to rescue the victims.
Rescue teams comprising railway officials, local administration, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the site immediately after the accident. An infant was among those rescued safely. Medical teams and ambulances have been deployed, with doctors treating the seriously injured inside the train itself due to the wreckage blocking quick evacuation.
The collision has caused extensive damage to the overhead electric wiring and the signalling system, disrupting rail traffic across the route.
Several express and passenger trains have been cancelled or diverted, and alternative transport arrangements are being made for stranded passengers.
Technical teams are working through the night to restore the tracks and repair the electrical systems. Railway officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports point towards a possible signalling failure or human error.
An ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh has been announced to the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh to those who are seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh to the passengers who sustained minor injuries.
Reacting to the Bilaspur train accident, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao said, “A very tragic incident has occurred. The goods train was stationary, and a MEMU train collided with it from behind. The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged. Senior railway officials and state government officers have reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations have begun. The injured are being taken to the hospital.”
