BILASPUR (Rajeev Sharma): The number of fatalities from the tragic train accident near Bilaspur climbed to eleven on Wednesday after three more passengers succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision. Officials said twenty others, including several women and a young child, continue to receive treatment in various hospitals.
The disaster occurred late Tuesday afternoon when the Korba–Bilaspur passenger train rammed into the rear of a stationary freight train close to Gatora railway station in the Lal Khadan area, roughly eight kilometres from Bilaspur Junction. The impact was catastrophic—forcing the passenger engine to mount the freight train and crushing several coaches behind it.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Emergency crews worked through the evening to pull passengers from the twisted remains of the carriages. Using gas cutters and heavy machinery, teams from the Railway Police, NDRF, and local administration managed to extract dozens of injured travelers. Witnesses described a scene of panic and confusion as people from nearby villages rushed to the site to help before authorities arrived.
“Bodies were scattered, and we could hear cries from inside the wreckage. It was horrifying,” said a local resident who joined in the rescue efforts.
The injured, including a one-and-a-half-year-old boy whose identity remains unknown, were admitted to three major hospitals in Bilaspur. Hospital officials said some patients remain in serious condition, and further casualties cannot be ruled out.
Early Findings and Inquiry
Initial assessments by railway engineers suggest that a signal malfunction or miscommunication between control points may have led to the crash. The Railways has initiated a high-level inquiry to determine whether the fault lay in the signaling system or human error.
A senior official from South East Central Railway confirmed that the inquiry report will be submitted soon. “We are investigating every possible angle to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated,” the official said.
Official Response
Railway authorities and state officials have announced compensation for the victims’ families and assured medical assistance to the injured. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and instructed local agencies to provide every possible support to those affected.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also conveyed condolences and said steps are being taken to review safety protocols across the region. “Every life lost is a tragedy. Accountability will be ensured,” he stated.
Safety Concerns Resurface
The Bilaspur collision has renewed debate about rail safety and infrastructure upgrades in India’s central zone. Experts say recurring accidents underline the urgent need for modern signaling systems and better communication between control rooms and train operators.
As families mourn their loved ones and rescue teams clear the mangled wreckage, Bilaspur finds itself confronting yet another grim reminder of the perils of outdated railway infrastructure.
For now, what began as an ordinary afternoon journey has turned into one of Chhattisgarh’s deadliest rail mishaps in recent years—leaving behind grief, questions, and a community demanding answers.
