EIGHT passengers were killed and fourteen passengers including the Loco Pilot and Assistant Loco Pilot of a local train and the Guard of a goods train, sustained grievous injuries after a Korba-bound MEMU train rammed into a stationary goods train near Gatora station under the Bilaspur division on Tuesday evening. Soon after the mishap, senior railway officials and staff reached the site and launched large-scale rescue operations. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. According to eyewitnesses, the Korba bound MEMU train came on the same track where the goods train was stationed.

 

The impact of the collision was so severe that several coaches were damaged and passengers got panicked. Due to the force of the impact the Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) engine mounted on the wagon of the goods train affecting both the up and down lines. Along with rail administration the local residents also engaged themselves in relief works. “The exact cause of the accident is currently not clear. Railway administration has ordered an investigation. Railways has moved all the resources and all measures are being ensured for treatment of the injured,” informed Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SECR, Sushkar Vipul Vilasrao. It is reported that the accident disrupted rail traffic on the Howrah-Mumbai trunk route and several trains have been halted following the collision. Inspector General of Police Dr Sanjeev Shukla speaking to this newspaper informed that 5 passengers died on the spot while one passenger succumbed while being taken to hospital.

 

The condition of the Loco Pilot, Assistant Loco Pilot and the Guard are among the critically injured. Railway administration has also opened helpline numbers at Bilaspur, Champa, Raigarh, Pendra Road and Korba stations to provide necessary information regarding the train accident. The railway administration is ensuring prompt assistance and coordination along with district authorities. Railway has also announced ex-gratia amounts for those affected by the accident. While Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased (casualties), Rs 5 lakh to seriously injured passengers and Rs 1 lakh to passengers with minor injuries. A detailed investigation of this incident will be conducted at the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) level so that the causes of the mishap could be ascertained and necessary corrective steps can be taken.

 

The injured passengers are being shifted at the Railway Central Hospital. Besides voluntary organisations, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also deployed additional doctors and ambulances at all the hospitals for treatment of the injured. In the aftermath of the train accident, several down trains were regulated for operational safety and clearance. The trains controlled included 68746 (Raipur-Gevra Road) passing BYT at 16.12 hrs, 12101 (LTT-Shalimar) at DPH at 16.10 hrs,12809 (CSMT-Howrah) at BYT at 17.36 hrs, 12070 (Gondia-Raigarh) departed MUP at 17.43 hrs, 20826 (Nagpur-Bilaspur) departed SZB at 17.45 hrs, 18029 (LTT-Shalimar) departed BKAL at 17.38 hrs and 12129 (Pune-Howrah) departed MNU at 17.46 hrs. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has expressed profound grief over the tragic train accident that occurred near Bilaspur district. Calling it a deeply painful incident, he said that the State Government stands in full solidarity and compassion with the affected families. The Chief Minister spoke over the phone with Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal, seeking detailed information about the incident and directing officials to provide all possible assistance to those impacted.

 

He instructed that immediate medical aid be ensured for the injured and that every possible support be extended to the bereaved families. On his social media platform X, Chief Minister Sai shared that teams from the Railway Administration and District Administration had reached the accident site promptly and were actively engaged in relief and rescue operations. He affirmed that adequate medical facilities and resources are being made available for the treatment of the injured. CM Sai announces Rs 5 lakh for families of deceased, Rs 50,000 for injured passengers: Chief Minister Sai announced that the State Government has decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured passenger. He stated that complete arrangements have been made to ensure proper and free medical treatment for the injured. All necessary medical facilities and resources are being made available for the treatment of the injured and the State Government is keeping a close watch on the situation with full sensitivity and vigilance and is taking every necessary step to assist those affected, stated the Chief Minister.