Rescue operations conclude as probe begins into the fatal collision.
A devastating railway collision near Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has resulted in 11 deaths and 20 injuries after a passenger train slammed into a stationary goods train on Tuesday afternoon. The Bilaspur train accident occurred around 4 PM in the Lalkhadan area, just short of the main Bilaspur railway station.
According to reports, the Gevra Road–Bilaspur MEMU local (68733) crashed into the rear of a goods train. The impact was severe, causing the engine of the passenger train to mount the wagon of the goods train.
In the chaotic moments following the crash, passengers on the MEMU train became the first responders, bravely assisting the injured and attempting to free those trapped. A full-scale rescue operation, involving over 100 personnel from state and central agencies, worked tirelessly through the night. The operation, which used heavy cranes to cut into the wreckage, officially concluded at 5:30 AM on Wednesday.
Officials have confirmed 11 fatalities. Five of the Bilaspur train crash victims have been identified so far, including the 53-year-old loco pilot of the passenger train, Vidya Sagar, and passengers Lovkush Shukla (41), Ranjeet Prabhakar (early 40s), Shila Yadav (25), and Priya Chandra (21). Six victims are yet to be identified.
The 20 injured individuals, who are receiving medical treatment, include the assistant loco pilot of the MEMU train, the guard of the goods train, and a toddler.
The Commission of Railway Safety has announced a statutory railway safety inquiry to investigate the exact cause of the MEMU train collision.
This incident caused major disruptions on the busy Bilaspur division of the South East Central Railway (SECR), affecting several services. This key railway line is a major artery for trains heading to and from Odisha, leading to significant Odisha train routes delayed for many passengers. Many people in Odisha were seen contacting the Odisha passenger helpline for updates.
Railway officials confirmed that all lines were declared fully functional by 5:30 AM Wednesday.
