At least eleven people were killed, and twenty others injured after a local train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday afternoon. The collision occurred on the Bilaspur-Katni section, leading to the derailment of multiple coaches and suspension of rail traffic on the route.
Officials said the preliminary investigation indicated that the MEMU local train overshot a signal and crashed into the rear of the goods train. The impact was severe, damaging overhead wires and the signalling system.
Railway rescue teams, along with RPF personnel and local police, rushed to the spot and began relief and evacuation efforts. Emergency medical teams treated the injured, while senior railway officials reached the site to supervise operations.
CM EXPRESSES GRIEF, RAILWAY ANNOUNCES COMPENSATION
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.
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.
RAILWAY RELEASES HELPLINE NUMBERS
Railways has released helpline numbers for passengers and relatives seeking information:
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.
As a result of the accident, movement of several down-direction trains has been affected, and traffic is being regulated to ensure safety and clear the line. Among the trains impacted are:
- Train No. 68746 (Raipur–Gevra Road MEMU), which passed Belha (BYT) at 16:12 hrs
- Train No. 12101 (LTT–Shalimar Express), at Dadhapara (DPH) at 16:10 hrs
- Train No. 12809 (CSMT–Howrah Mail), at Belha at 17:36 hrs
- Train No. 12070 (Gondia–Raigarh Jan Shatabdi Express), departed Mopar (MUP) at 17:43 hrs
- Train No. 20826 (Nagpur–Bilaspur Express), departed Sarzoni (SZB) at 17:45 hrs
- Train No. 18029 (LTT–Shalimar Express), departed Bakal (BKAL) at 17:38 hrs
- Train No. 12129 (Pune–Howrah Express), departed Manendragarh/Manpur (MNU) at 17:46 hrs
Officials said the railway administration continued to monitor the situation closely and ensure all necessary support and medical care for the affected.
– Ends
With inputs from Manish Sharan
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