5 dead, many injured as passenger train rams into goods train in Bilaspur

The accident occurred around 4 pm when a passenger train travelling from Gevra in Korba district to Bilaspur collided with a goods train from behind between the Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations

At least five people were killed after a passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, railway officials said.

 

They added that 14 others were injured in the accident, with some passengers still trapped beneath a coach of the train.

 

"So far, five deaths have been confirmed in the accident. Four others are still trapped inside the wreckage and efforts are on to evacuate them," Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal also told PTI. He addd that injured passengers have been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur. 

 

How did the Bilaspur train accident happen?

The accident occurred around 4 pm when a MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train travelling from Gevra in Korba district to Bilaspur collided with a goods train from behind between the Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations, railway officials said. Visuals from the site show the impact of the collision, with one coach of the passenger train lifted onto a wagon of the goods train.

 

What steps have authorities taken?

Meanwhile, the South East Central Railway has announced an ex gratia of ₹10,00,000 each for the families of the deceased, ₹5,00,000 for the seriously injured, and ₹1,00,000 for those with minor injuries.

 

The railways further stated that a detailed investigation into the accident will be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the cause and suggest corrective measures.

 

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also expressed grief over the incident, stating that he is in touch with authorites in Bilaspur and has issued directions to provide all necessary assistance.

 

It has also released a list of emergency helpline numbers to help passengers and their relatives:

 

Bilaspur – 7777857335, 7869953330

Champa – 8085956528

Raigarh – 9752485600

Pendra Road – 8294730162

Korba – 7869953330

Usalapur - 7777857338