Bilaspur: A tragic railway accident occurred in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday afternoon when a Korba passenger train collided with a freight train near the Gataura-Bilaspur railway section. The incident took place around 4 p.m., resulting in multiple casualties and injuries. Several coaches were severely damaged, and train operations in the region have been halted.
Rescue and medical teams from the Railway Administration, NDRF, and local authorities rushed to the site soon after the collision. Passengers trapped inside the mangled coaches were pulled out through joint rescue efforts by police and railway staff.
Confusion Over Death Toll: Collector and SP Give Contrasting Statements
There is still confusion over the number of fatalities in the Bilaspur train accident.
Collector Sanjay Agrawal, an IAS officer of 2012 batch, confirmed four deaths, stating that “the accident occurred between Gataura and Bilaspur railway stations. Four people have been confirmed dead, and two more are still trapped inside the damaged coaches. Rescue efforts are ongoing.”
However, Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajnesh Singh, an IPS officer of 2012 batch, presented a different account, saying, “One passenger has died, and four others are injured. Two passengers remain trapped, and efforts are being made to rescue them safely.”
The conflicting figures have led to uncertainty regarding the exact number of casualties, with the Railway PRO yet to confirm official numbers pending an investigation.
Railway Officials Order CRS-Level Inquiry
Bilaspur Railway CPRO Dr. Suskar Vipul Vilasrao stated that the Korba passenger train collided with a freight train from behind, resulting in the tragic mishap.
He said, “A CRS-level (Commissioner of Railway Safety) inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident. The injured are receiving treatment at Bilaspur Railway Hospital. The exact number of deaths and injuries will be confirmed after the investigation.”
Senior railway officers and medical teams have been deployed on-site to coordinate rescue operations and assess the extent of the damage.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Panic and Chaos
Passenger Devkumar Dhuri, who was traveling from Kotmisunar to Bilaspur, shared his harrowing experience:
“There was a sudden jerk, and before we could understand what happened, the train rammed into the freight train. The engine went over it. Many passengers started screaming and jumping off the train. We helped those who were trapped inside the coach.”
Eyewitnesses estimate that 20 to 25 passengers were injured, several of them seriously. Locals from nearby villages joined rescue teams to assist in evacuating passengers before official help arrived.
Rescue and Relief Operations in Full Swing
Rescue and medical operations are continuing late into the evening. The South East Central Railway confirmed that relief trains and medical vans have been sent to the site.
Technical teams are also working to repair damaged overhead wires and signal systems. Train services on the Bilaspur route remain temporarily suspended, and several passenger and express trains have been cancelled or diverted.
Helpline Numbers Issued for Passengers and Families
For assistance and information, the South East Central Railway has released 24-hour helpline numbers:
- Champa Junction: 808595652
- Raigarh: 975248560
- Pendra Road: 8294730162
- Emergency (Site Helplines): 9752485499, 8602007202
Passengers and family members are advised to rely only on official updates and avoid unverified information circulating on social media.
CRS to Investigate Cause of Collision
A Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inquiry has been formally ordered to determine the cause of the collision — focusing on possible lapses in communication, signaling errors, or human negligence.
The Railway Board has sought a preliminary report from the South East Central Railway Zone within 24 hours.
