Chhattisgarh train accident: 11 dead, 20 injured after passenger train rams into stationary goods train near Bilaspur

Chhattisgarh train accident
11 dead, 20 injured after passenger train hits goods train near Bilaspur (Image via PTI)

At least 11 people were killed and 20 were injured when a passenger train rammed into a stationary goods train near the Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday afternoon (4th November). Several coaches were derailed in the collision at the Bilaspur–Katni section, suspending rail traffic on the route altogether.

The accident occurred at around 4 p.m. when a MEMU rake was coming from Gevra in Korba district to Bilaspur, overshot a signal and rammed into the rear of the goods train. The collision was of immense force that ruined the overhead wires besides the signalling system. One of the coaches of the passenger train was thrown on top of a wagon of the goods train due to the force of the crash.

According to officials, the initial probe suggests that the passenger train ignored a red signal and hit a goods train parked on the same track. “It is a matter of investigation as to why the loco pilot crossed the signal and did not apply emergency brakes in time,” said a senior railway official.

The loco pilot, Vidya Sagar, lost his life in the accident, while his assistant, Rashmi Raj, was seriously injured. The guard of the goods train had jumped out of the brake van and escaped with minor injuries.

Rescue operations and casualties

The collision left 11 passengers dead and several others trapped inside the mangled compartments. Railway rescue teams, along with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the police, and the local administration, rushed to the spot and began evacuation and relief work. Emergency medical teams were deployed to provide first aid to the injured before they were shifted to hospitals.

The injured passengers have been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur. “The passenger train hit the goods train from behind at a speed of 60 to 70 kmph after overshooting a red signal,” a senior railway official said.

Reacting to the mishap, Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said, “Five people are seriously injured; three are stable, while two remain critical. Some passengers are still trapped inside the train, and efforts are on to rescue them using cutting equipment.”

Ex gratia announced for victims

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the accident, calling it “extremely tragic.” In a post on X, he said, “I have spoken to the Bilaspur District Collector and instructed immediate relief and assistance. The state government stands firmly with the affected families.”

The railway administration has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of those killed, Rs 5 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries.

Inquiry ordered by Railways

A detailed probe into the incident will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the exact cause and suggest corrective measures.

Senior railway officials and district authorities visited the site and supervised the relief work. Rescue operations continued till late evening, with cranes being used to clear the debris and restore traffic on the busy Bilaspur–Katni route.

Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal said the accident was serious in nature, and many people were trapped, and many others were badly hurt.

Meanwhile, the CPRO of Southeast Central Railways, Vipul Kumar, said that the injured passengers are getting immediate medical attention.

The South East Central Railway issued emergency helpline numbers to assist families and passengers in view of the train accident in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district.

The helpline numbers for Champa Junction, Rajgarh, and Pendra Road are 808595652, 975248560, and 8294730162, respectively. Two helpline numbers have been issued for the accident site by the railways: 9752485499, 8602007202.

Passengers and their families can contact these numbers for assistance and information. Officials said the railway administration continues to monitor the situation closely and ensure all necessary support and medical care for the affected.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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