8 dead, 14 hurt as trains collide in Chhattisgarh

At least eight persons, including the loco pilot, were killed and 14 others injured after a passenger train allegedly jumped a red signal and collided with a goods train from behind near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, officials said.

The incident took place around 4 pm when the MEMU (mainline electric multiple unit) passenger train was heading to Bilaspur from Gevra (in neighbouring Korba district), they said. The impact of the collision was so severe that a coach of the passenger train ended up on top of a wagon of the cargo train, the railway officials said, adding that two to three persons are still feared trapped in the wreckage.

“So far, eight deaths have been confirmed in the accident. Two to three others are still feared trapped inside the wreckage and efforts are on to evacuate them,” Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal said.

The Railways announced ex gratia compensation for the victims, Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 5 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries.

“The Railway administration is extending all possible assistance to the affected passengers and their families. Continuous coordination is being maintained with district authorities and medical teams to ensure prompt relief measures,” the statement said, adding that a detailed inquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety to determine the cause of the crash and recommend preventive steps.