5 killed as passenger train rams goods train in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur, rescue on
AT least five people were killed and several 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 indicates 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 to begin relief and evacuation efforts. Emergency medical teams are treating the injured, while senior railway officials reached the site to supervise operations.
Chhattisgarh Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said five deaths have been confirmed so far. “Five people are seriously injured; three are stable, while two remain critical. Some passengers are still trapped inside the train, and efforts are on to rescue them using cutting equipment,” he said.
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 ex-gratia 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:
Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
Champa: 8085956528
Raigarh: 9752485600
Pendra Road: 8294730162
Korba: 7869953330
Usalapur: 7777857338
At accident site: 9752485499, 8602007202
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
Railway officials said the section is under close monitoring by operating and safety personnel. Control offices are coordinating to regulate train services and expedite restoration work to resume normal operations at the earliest.
