On Tuesday afternoon, a rail accident occurred in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, when a coach of a MEMU passenger train collided with a freight train. The incident took place near Bilaspur station around 4 PM. Preliminary information suggests that this collision resulted in the death of 6 passengers, while many were injured. The impact was so severe that a coach of the passenger train climbed onto the freight train.
The state's health minister, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, reported that individuals trapped in the train were rescued using gas cutter machines.
According to South East Central Railway (SECR), immediate relief and rescue operations commenced following the accident. Railway officials indicated that the injured were sent to hospitals for treatment. The General Manager of South East Central Railway, Tarun Prakash, arrived at the scene and assessed the situation.
Accident Caused by Signal Overshoot
Initial information from South East Central Railway (SECR) indicates that the accident was due to the MEMU train overshooting the signal. It was reported that the train crossed the designated signal and collided with the rear of a stationary freight train. The impact was so severe that a coach of the MEMU train was badly damaged.
Railway officials confirmed that the MEMU local train overshot the signal, leading to the collision with the rear end of the stationary freight train.
Railway Announces Compensation for Affected Passengers
Following the Bilaspur rail accident, South East Central Railway announced ex-gratia compensation for affected passengers and their families. The railway administration stated that financial assistance would be provided in different categories to the deceased, seriously injured, and passengers with minor injuries.
The families of deceased passengers will receive a compensation of ₹10 lakh. Meanwhile, passengers with serious injuries will be granted ₹5 lakh, and those with minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh.
Route Operations Disrupted
A team was formed to investigate the causes of the incident. Rail traffic in the vicinity of the station was temporarily affected, but efforts to normalize the situation are ongoing. A formal investigation has been ordered by the railway authorities. The Railway Safety Commissioner will examine the Bilaspur train accident.
The collision severely damaged the overhead wires and signal system, leading to a halt in operations on the route. Several trains were either canceled or diverted.
Railway Issues Helpline Numbers
In the wake of the accident, South East Central Railway released helpline numbers to assist passengers and their families. These numbers will be available 24/7 for information and assistance.
Champa Junction: 808595652 Raigarh: 975248560 Pendra Road: 8294730162
Additionally, two emergency helpline numbers have been made available at the accident site, where relatives and passengers can receive help by calling. These numbers are 9752485499 and 8602007202.
