RAIPUR: A routine evening journey turned disastrous on Tuesday when a local MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train travelling from the coal township of Gevra to Bilaspur Junction rammed into a stationary goods rake around 4 pm. Preliminary findings point to a signal breach as the likely cause. The collision’s force was so intense that the train’s engine and one coach mounted the rear of the freight rake, killing 11 passengers and injuring at least 20 others.
Eyewitnesses and rescue personnel reported that several passengers remained trapped inside the mangled compartments for a considerable time before emergency teams reached the scene. This marks the sixth fatal railway mishap in India this year, excluding level-crossing incidents.
The South East Central Railway (SECR), in its initial statement, said the mishap appeared to result from the train passing a signal set at danger. “Preliminary assessment suggests the MEMU train passed the signal at danger, causing the collision,” SECR said, adding that a full inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause and recommend safety measures.
A relief train and medical teams were swiftly dispatched from Bilaspur. The Railways announced an ex gratia of ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed, ₹5 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries.
Bilaspur district collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed that the injured were being treated at the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences and nearby private hospitals.
Official Response
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed condolences on X, assuring full support from the state government. “Teams from the Railways and district administration are engaged in rescue and relief operations. Every possible measure is being taken to provide prompt medical care to the injured,” he stated.
