Six killed after passenger train collides with goods train in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur, rescue ops on
Bilaspur train accident: The front coach of the Korba Passenger Express collided with a goods train near the Jairamnagar station in Bilaspur district. At least Six people have been killed in the accident so far.
At least six people were killed and several others were injured in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district on Tuesday after a passenger train rammed into a goods train near the Jairamnagar station. According to preliminary information, the collision took place between a the first coach of an EMU passenger train and the last coach of a goods train.
District Collector Sanjay Aggarwal confirmed that four people have died in the accident, while adding that the death count is likely to rise. The passenger train was going from Korba to Bilaspur.
In a statement, the Railways said relief and rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing, and senior officials are on the spot to closely monitor the situation.
"The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate medical assistance. The Railway Administration is extending all possible assistance to the affected passengers and their families. Continuous coordination is being maintained with district authorities and medical teams to ensure prompt relief measures," the statement read.
A detailed inquiry into the incident will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the exact cause and recommend necessary corrective actions, the administration said.
Chhattisgarh train accident video
Rescue and relief teams have reached the spot, and efforts are underway to assist the injured and assess the damage. The railway and medical teams are on the spot as authorities continue rescue and relief efforts. Railway traffic is reportedly affected as tracks remain obstructed with the debris of derailed coaches.
Rail traffic affected on the Bilaspur-Howrah route
According to reports, the collision resulted in major damage to overhead electrical lines and signalling equipment, which officials say may take time to repair. Train services on the Bilaspur–Howrah route have come to a complete halt, with multiple trains either cancelled or diverted.
The incident occurred on the Bilaspur–Katni section, an important and busy railway corridor.
Ex-gratia announced for deceased and injured
The Railways has also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin to the deceased, and Rs 5 lakh to those who have suffered critical injuries. Those with minor injuries will be Rs 1 lakh each ex-gratia.
Railway issues helpline numbers
The Railways has issued the following helpline numbers for assistance:
- Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
- Champa Junction: 808595652
- Raigarh: 975248560
- Pendra Road: 8294730162
- Korba: 7869953330
- Uslapur: 7777857338
Helpline numbers at the accident site:
- 9752485499
- 8602007202
Probe launched to determine cause of accident
The collision has caused extensive damage to the overhead electric wiring and the signalling system, disrupting rail traffic along the route. Several express and passenger trains have been cancelled or diverted, and alternative travel arrangements are being made for stranded passengers.
Technical teams are working through the night to restore the tracks and repair the electrical network. Railway officials have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the accident.
With inputs from Sikandar Khan
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