Bilaspur accident: 8 killed as passenger train collides with goods train; Railway issues helpline numbers

At least eight people were killed and several others suffered injuries after a passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh, on Tuesday.

The accident occurred around 4:00 PM when the MEMU (mainline electric multiple unit) passenger train was heading to Bilaspur from Gevra.

The rescue operation is underway and those injured have been been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) hospital.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state government is closely monitoring the situation with complete vigilance and sensitivity.

Anurag Singh, senior DCM in Bilaspur, said that efforts are on to trace those who are unaccounted for through the helpline number.

"Information is still being compiled as several formalities are underway. Once all details are consolidated, complete information will be shared," he added.

Terming it as a very tragic incident, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao said that the front coach, where some passengers also sit, has been damaged. "Senior railway officials and state government officers have reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations have begun," he added.

Resources moved, injured being treated

— Train number 68733 (Gevara Road–Bilaspur) MEMU Local got dashed with a goods train at about 16:00 hours.

— The incident took place when the train was between Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations.

— Officials said that eight people died and several other passengers sustained injuries in the accident and some of them were still trapped under a coach of the passenger train.

"A total of eight people have lost their lives in this accident. Two people are still stuck here. 16-17 people are in serious condition. This is a big accident. Everyone is present here and we are carrying out rescue operations," said Sanjay Agrawal, Bilaspur DC.

— The injured passengers have been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) hospital in Bilaspur.

— The visuals show a coach of the passenger train mounted onto a wagon of the goods train.

– The railway has moved all resources, and all measures are being taken for the treatment of the injured, said official.

— The rescue operation is underway. We are trying to rescue a person trapped inside, said IG Sanjeev Shukla.

Bilaspur train accident: Railway helpline numbers

The South East Central Railway issued emergency helpline numbers where the passengers and their family members can contact to obtain necessary information.

Bilaspur – 7777857335, 7869953330

Champa – 8085956528

Raigarh – 9752485600

Pendra Road – 8294730162

Korba – 7869953330

Usalapur - 7777857338

Extremely heartbreaking news, says CM Vishnu Deo Sai

The news of the train accident near Bilaspur is extremely heartbreaking. Information has been gathered from the Bilaspur District Collector, and instructions have been issued to provide them with all possible assistance and relief efforts, said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in a post on X.

He added that the state government stands with the affected families during this difficult time.

"Teams from the railways and administration have immediately sprung into action for relief and rescue operations. All necessary resources and medical assistance are being ensured for the treatment of the injured. The state government is closely monitoring the situation with complete vigilance and sensitivity," the CM said.

Railway to conduct inquiry

A detailed inquiry into the incident will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the cause and recommend necessary corrective measures, reported PTI quoting official statement.

Compensation announced

The railway authorities have announced an compensation of ₹10 lakh each to kin of the deceased and ₹5 lakh to the seriously injured persons. Those who sustained minor injuries will receive ₹1 lakh assistance.