Chhattisgarh Train Collision Kills 8, Injures Several; Rescue Ops and CRS Probe Underway Near Bilaspur
The accident occurred at around 4 pm and all resources have been directed to the spot, railways said. The Railways PRO said that all assistance is being ensured for the treatment of the injured.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 4: At least eight people were killed and several others injured on Monday after a passenger train rammed into a goods train near Jairamnagar station in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur district. Preliminary reports suggest that the first coach of an EMU passenger collided with the rearmost coach of a goods train.
Government Promises Support
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the train accident was "extremely heartbreaking".
He posted, "Information has been gathered from the Bilaspur District Collector, and instructions have been issued to provide them with all possible assistance and relief efforts. 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," he added.
Death Toll May Rise Says Collector
District Collector Sanjay Aggarwal said eight people have been killed in the accident and that there were more casualties expected. The passenger train was going from Korba to Bilaspur.
He said, "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."
Swift Relief and Rescue Efforts
Rescue and relief teams have been dispatched, with the injured being provided aid and infrastructure damage is checked. The railway and medical teams have reached the spot as the authorities carry out rescue and relief work. Rail movement is affected as the tracks are blocked by the mangled railway coaches.
Injured passengers have been referred to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) hospital in Bilaspur. One of them is in critical condition, an official said.
Infrastructure Damage Reported
The crash caused significant damage to overhead electric lines and signalling equipment, and officials say repairs could be prolonged. The Bilaspur–Howrah route has already stopped all trains that are either cancelled or diverted.
It happened on the Bilaspur–Katni section, a critical and highly trafficked rail artery.
The collision resulted in severe damage to the overhead electric wires and the signalling system, hampering train movement on the route. Cancellation and diversion of 60 passenger and mail/express trains have been provided with various alternatives.
Probe and Compensation Announced
The Railways has also declared a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh to those who have received grievous injuries. Rs 1 lakh each as ex-gratia for those with minor injury.
Relief and rescue is being done on war footing & senior officials are present at site. According to a statement issued by the Railways, trains came from the other direction soon after the accident.
A comprehensive inquiry into the incident will be done at CRS level to find out the actual cause and remedial action, if any, that needs to be taken, the administration said.
Preliminary Cause Under Investigation
Repair crews are continuing all-night work to fix the tracks and repair the electrical system. The rail authorities are probing the reasons behind the mishap. Early indications indicate signal failure or human error.
