A tragic accident occurred near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday when a MEMU passenger train collided with a stationary goods train. The incident took place around 4 p.m., leaving several passengers dead and many others injured.
According to officials, rescue operations are underway and the injured have been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal confirmed that four people have lost their lives in the collision, while two others are still reported to be trapped inside the wreckage.
Sources said the goods train was halted on the tracks when the local MEMU train rammed into it. Visuals from the accident site showed the passenger train’s front portion lodged on top of the goods train as rescue teams and officials rushed to the scene.
The Railway PRO stated that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the injured receive prompt medical attention. Authorities have also issued emergency helpline numbers — 9752485499 and 8602007202 — along with contact numbers for Champa Junction (808595652), Raigarh (975248560), and Pendra Road (8294730162).
An ex gratia compensation has been announced: ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries.
Senior railway officials are present at the site, overseeing rescue efforts and assessing the situation. The railway administration has assured full assistance to all affected passengers and their families.
A detailed inquiry into the cause of the accident will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
The incident follows recent rail tragedies in Bihar, including one in Begusarai where four people were run over by the Amrapali Express, and another in Patna’s Barh where four members of a family died after being struck by the Vande Bharat Express in September.
