A tragic collision took place near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, which reportedly left eight dead and over a dozen injured. The incident took place around 4:00 pm when a MEMU (main electric multi unit) passenger train traveling from Gevra to Bilaspur rammed into a goods train between Gatora and Bilaspur stations from behind.
The Railway Board said the accident appeared to have occurred because the passenger train had crossed a red signal.
“The reason for the preliminary assessment by the railway authorities is apparently the passing of the danger signal by the MEMU train,” the railway committee said in a statement.
“An unfortunate incident involving a collision between a freight train and a local MEMU train took place near Bilaspur railway station today. The Railway Administration has taken prompt steps to initiate rescue and relief operations on war footing,” the statement said.
Senior officials are said to be at the spot and monitoring the situation as the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.
Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal said the accident was of a serious nature, with several people trapped and many seriously injured.
“A total of eight people have lost their lives in this accident. Two people are still stuck here. 16-17 people are in serious condition. It is a major accident. Everyone is present here and we are carrying out rescue operations,” Agrawal said.
Compensation announced
Railway Board announced compensation ₹10 lakhs to the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5,000,000 seriously injured and ₹1 thousand for those with minor injuries.
“The railway administration is extending all possible assistance to the affected passengers and their families. Round-the-clock coordination is being maintained with district authorities and medical teams to ensure quick rescue measures,” the authority said.
He added, “A detailed inquiry into the incident will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner for Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the exact cause and recommend necessary corrective measures.
Emergency contact numbers have been made operational for families and travelers in Bilaspur, Champa, Raigarh, Pendra Road, Korba and Uslapur.
“Passengers and their relatives can contact these numbers for the necessary information and assistance. The railway administration continues to closely monitor the situation and provides all possible relief and support to those affected,” the council said.
Inspector General Sanjeev Shukla said there were people feared dead in the accident and rescue operations were underway to evacuate the injured. He added that rescue teams were trying to free the individual who was trapped inside.
