According to South East Central Railway officials, a preliminary investigation revealed that the train had overshot a signal. That is, the driver jumped a red signal and the train collided with a freight train in front.
बिलासपुर रेल हादसे में मृतकों की संख्या बढ़कर 11 हुई, दो दर्ज़न के करीब लोग घायल
A major train accident occurred in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening. A MEMU passenger train traveling from Gevra Road to Bilaspur collided with a stationary freight train, resulting in significant casualties. The death toll has risen to 11, while approximately 20 passengers are reported injured. Many of the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals, and rescue operations continued late into the night.
Signal error caused the accident
According to South East Central Railway officials, initial investigations revealed that the train overshot a signal. That is, the driver crossed a red signal, and the train collided with a stationary freight train. The impact was so severe that several coaches derailed, and overhead wires and signal systems were also damaged.
Relief and rescue operations underway
Railway and administrative teams arrived at the scene upon receiving information about the accident. NDRF and police personnel jointly began clearing the debris. By late night, many passengers were rescued from the train coaches. Officials said the injured are being treated at civil and government hospitals in Bilaspur.
CM Vishnu Dev Sai expressed grief
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed deep sorrow over the accident, calling it a “very tragic incident.” He directed the Bilaspur district administration to immediately begin relief operations. The Chief Minister assured the injured of all possible assistance and asked for better treatment in hospitals.
Compensation for the families of the deceased and injured
The railway administration has announced compensation following the accident:
- ₹10 lakh to the families of the deceased
- ₹5 lakh to the seriously injured
- ₹1 lakh to passengers with minor injuries.
Rail traffic affected, investigation ordered
Traffic on the Bilaspur-Katni section has been temporarily halted following the collision. The railway has stated that work is progressing rapidly to clear the track and remove the damaged coaches. Additionally, a detailed investigation into the accident has been ordered to determine whether the cause was a signaling system malfunction or human error.
This accident once again raises questions about the railway’s safety system and signaling standards. The railways now need to take more stringent measures to ensure passenger safety.
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