Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: At least five people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur railway station on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m., involved a MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train traveling from Gevra in Korba district to Bilaspur.

Railway officials reported that the MEMU train rammed into the goods train from behind while it was situated between Gatora and Bilaspur stations. The collision caused significant damage, with one coach of the passenger train reportedly mounting onto a wagon of the goods train, indicating the severity of the impact. The force of the crash resulted in multiple fatalities, as well as passengers being trapped inside the mangled train compartments.

Bilaspur Inspector General of Police, Sanjeev Shukla, confirmed that five bodies have been recovered from the site, while two individuals remain trapped under the debris. Efforts to retrieve the trapped passengers are ongoing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to free them.

Earlier, Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal had stated that four deaths had been confirmed at the scene and that two passengers were still trapped. He added that the injured had been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur, with at least one patient reported to be in critical condition.

Rescue and Relief Operations

Railway authorities mobilized all available resources immediately after the accident. Rescue operations were launched on a war footing, with teams deployed to extricate trapped passengers and provide medical assistance to those injured. Senior railway officials, including representatives from the local railway division and disaster management teams, reached the site to coordinate relief measures and ensure swift handling of the situation.

Visuals from the accident site showed the extensive damage caused by the collision, including a severely damaged passenger coach resting atop a wagon of the goods train. Authorities have emphasized that the safety and well-being of the affected passengers remain a top priority, and all necessary arrangements have been made to facilitate their medical treatment.

The railway administration announced ex-gratia compensation for those affected by the accident: ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for passengers sustaining serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries. Families of the victims and passengers have been advised to contact designated railway helplines for assistance and updates.

Railway Helplines

To provide immediate information and support to passengers and their families, the railway authorities issued the following helpline numbers:

• Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
• Champa: 8085956528
• Raigarh: 9752485600
• Pendra Road: 8294730162
• Korba: 7869953330
• Uslapur: 7777857338

The authorities have stated that these numbers can be contacted for assistance regarding passengers’ status, relief measures, and other related information.

Medical Response

All injured passengers were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Both Apollo Hospital and CIMS in Bilaspur have been designated as primary centers for treating casualties from the accident. Medical teams, including doctors and paramedics, have been working round the clock to treat injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more severe trauma resulting from the collision.

Investigation Launched

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has announced that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident. The investigation will examine operational procedures, signaling systems, train speeds, and adherence to railway safety protocols to identify any lapses or contributing factors. Authorities have emphasized that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Railway officials have also stated that all affected passengers and their families will receive full support throughout the inquiry process, including access to medical care, information about recovery and relief, and assistance with compensation procedures.

Passenger Safety and Precautions

In light of the accident, railway authorities have reiterated the importance of passenger safety and the need for strict adherence to operational protocols. Safety officers and local railway personnel are reviewing emergency response strategies to improve preparedness for unforeseen incidents. Passengers traveling along the Bilaspur-Korba route have been advised to follow instructions from railway staff, exercise caution while boarding or deboarding trains, and report any safety concerns immediately.

The accident comes at a time when Indian Railways has been focusing on modernizing its infrastructure, improving train punctuality, and enhancing passenger safety. Incidents such as the Bilaspur collision underscore the importance of continued investment in railway safety measures, timely maintenance, and real-time monitoring systems to prevent tragedies.

Statements from Authorities

Bilaspur IG Sanjeev Shukla emphasized the rapid response of the police and rescue teams, highlighting that coordination between law enforcement and railway authorities was crucial in managing the situation efficiently. Shukla confirmed that the rescue operations would continue until all trapped passengers are safely extricated, and full support would be provided to the victims’ families.

Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured that all necessary assistance, including financial and medical support, would be provided to the affected individuals. He further assured the public that safety measures would be reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The collision between a passenger MEMU train and a goods train near Bilaspur railway station has resulted in a tragic loss of life and multiple injuries, bringing focus to the need for stringent railway safety protocols and emergency preparedness. With ongoing rescue operations and medical care being provided to the injured, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

Families of the deceased and injured are being assisted with compensation and relief, while a thorough investigation by the CRS will aim to identify the causes of the accident and ensure necessary corrective measures. Passengers and local residents are advised to remain vigilant, follow safety instructions, and reach out to designated helplines for assistance.

The Bilaspur accident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of railway safety and the importance of rapid, coordinated response to safeguard lives in such emergencies.