Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh — The death toll in the Bilaspur train accident climbed to 11, while 20 others sustained injuriesafter a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station on Tuesday afternoon.
According to officials, the incident occurred around 4 pm, when a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train travelling from Gevra (Korba district) towards Bilaspur allegedly jumped a red signal and rammed into a goods train from behind. The impact of the collision was so powerful that one of the MEMU coaches mounted a wagon of the cargo train, railway authorities said.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. “The rescue operation is in progress. The injured are receiving free medical treatment,” CM Sai said in Raipur.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao confirmed that a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the mishap. “The injured have been admitted to hospitals, and their treatment is underway. I extend my condolences to the families who lost their loved ones,” he stated.
Restoration work is ongoing at the accident site as authorities work to clear the wreckage and restore train movement.
Reacting to the incident, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel termed the tragedy “very tragic” and alleged that the government was prioritizing coal transportation over passenger safety.
Railway officials are expected to release a detailed report once the investigation concludes.
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