A local passenger train collided with a speeding goods train near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh, killing at least six people and seriously injuring 14 passengers. According to relief and rescue teams, the death toll is likely to increase. The accident took place between Gataura and Bilaspur railway station at around 4 pm, when the local train coming to Bilaspur from Gevra in Korba district hit the goods train running ahead from behind.
The collision was so severe that many coaches ran over each other and some derailed. Eyewitnesses said that after the accident there was screaming inside the coach. An injured woman told that I was in the compartment which had climbed over the goods train. My leg got stuck under the seat, the rescue team pulled me out with great difficulty. Another passenger said that some people had died on the spot in the accident.
Officials said that the first bogie of the local train ran over the last bogie of the goods train, due to which the bogie was completely damaged. Relief and rescue operations were started immediately. Teams of Railways, district administration and police reached the spot and the injured passengers were admitted to nearby hospitals.
After the accident, Railways has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs 5 lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh to the moderately injured. The Railway Safety Commissioner will investigate this accident so that the reasons can be found out and corrective steps can be taken. Helpline numbers have also been issued to assist passengers and family members.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai has expressed deep sorrow over this accident. He wrote on social media that the train accident near Bilaspur is very sad. The district administration has been instructed to take full precautions in relief and rescue operations. The state government stands with the affected families in this difficult time and all possible medical assistance is being provided to the injured.
This accident not only raises questions on railway safety but also reminds that Railways needs further improvement in its system to ensure the safety of passengers.
