 "Bilaspur, Chattisgarh: The accident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday when the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train travelling from Gevra to Bilaspur rammed into a stationary goods train from behind. PTI")
At least 11 people were killed and over 20 others injured after a passenger train tragically crashed into a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday.
The shocking collision has now prompted a large-scale operation, as rescuers rush to the site to pull survivors from the wreckage. The Indian Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident, which will be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
Authorities have also announced compensation for the families of those killed and for the injured passengers as investigations continue into how such a deadly mishap occurred.
So, what exactly went wrong? What led to the collision, and how have officials responded since? Here’s a breakdown of everything we know so far.
What happened?
Sanjeev Vishwakarma, a 35-year-old driver from Bilha in Bilaspur, was on his way home from his in-laws’ house in Akaltara when his routine train journey turned into a nightmare.
“I was sitting in the first coach. There were about 16–17 passengers, including men, women, and children. Around 500 metres after leaving Gatora, the train suddenly jolted violently and crashed into something. There was a thunderous sound, people started screaming… and then everything went dark,” he recalled from his hospital bed.
The accident took place around 4 pm on Tuesday when the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train travelling from Gevra to Bilaspur rammed into a stationary goods train from behind, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The impact of the collision was so powerful that one of the passenger coaches ended up mounted on a wagon of the cargo train, a railway official confirmed.
Vishwakarma recalled the chaos that unfolded following the collision.
“When I opened my eyes, I was pinned under the seat. People were crying for help. My coach had climbed onto the goods train. I saw bodies right in front of me. Three people, including a woman, died. Their faces still haunt me,” he told PTI.
At least 11 persons, including the loco pilot, were killed and several others, including the female assistant loco pilot, were injured in the accident.
Rescue operations ongoing
Rescue operations are continuing on a war footing as authorities race against time to help the injured after the tragic train collision.
According to The Indian Express, senior railway officials have rushed to the site to supervise the situation, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local administration are carrying out relief work. All available resources have been deployed to the spot, and those injured are being shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Among the survivors is 30-year-old advocate Geeta Dev Nath from Bilaspur, who was travelling in the first coach. “The impact was so strong that my leg got trapped. I couldn’t move. Rescuers pulled me out after several minutes. I had gone to Akaltara for court work. I never imagined I would return like this,” she told reporters.
She and three others are currently receiving treatment at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur.
Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed that several injured passengers were admitted to Apollo Hospital and CIMS. “One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition,” he told The Hindustan Times.
The Railways has also issued emergency helpline numbers for passengers and families affected by the accident:
Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
Champa: 8085956528
Raigarh: 9752485600
Pendra Road: 8294730162
Korba: 7869953330
Uslapur: 777785733
“Passengers and their relatives may contact these numbers for necessary information and assistance. The Railway Administration continues to monitor the situation closely and is ensuring all possible relief and support to the affected,” the Railways Board said.
Also read: 7 lives lost daily: Why everyday travel in Mumbai local trains is a risky affair
Bilaspur train accident: What caused the mishap?
A preliminary investigation suggests that the Bilaspur train accident may have been caused by a “signal passed at danger” (SPAD) — a situation where a train passes a red signal, according to a News18 report citing railway officials.
Initial findings indicate that the loco pilot of the passenger train may have missed the signal, leading to the tragic collision. Sources told the outlet that the stretch where the accident occurred operates on an automatic signalling system, which alerts drivers when the track ahead is not clear.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao confirmed that the goods train was stationary at the time of the crash. “The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged…” he told reporters while visiting the site.
Meanwhile, the South East Central Railway (SECR) has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. “A detailed inquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the cause and recommend preventive measures,” said the SECR’s Chief Public Relations Officer.
Chhattisgarh CM reacts, ex gratia announced
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the Bilaspur train tragedy, assuring that the state government is extending full support to the victims and their families.
“The news of the train accident near Bilaspur is very sad. After receiving information from the Bilaspur District Collector, he has been given instructions regarding all possible assistance and relief work. The state government stands with the affected families during this difficult time,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.
In another post, he added that relief and rescue operations were launched immediately, and all medical help was being provided to the injured. “Railway and administrative teams immediately launched relief and rescue operations. All necessary resources and medical assistance are being ensured for the treatment of the injured. The state government is monitoring the situation with utmost urgency and sensitivity,” Sai said.
The Railways announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those killed, Rs 5 lakh to those seriously injured, and Rs 1 lakh to passengers with minor injuries, according to an official statement.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also called the accident “extremely heartbreaking”.
“The reports of several coaches derailing and passengers being killed or injured are deeply distressing. I pray to God to grant peace to the departed souls and strength to their families during this sorrowful time. I also pray to Maa Mahamaya for the swift recovery of the injured,” he wrote on X.
With input from agencies