Rescue and relief operations are underway as railway and local administration teams continue efforts to save trapped passengers. (Videograb)
A tragic train accident shook Chhattisgarh on Tuesday after a Korba passenger train collided with a freight train in Bilaspur district. The accident occurred in the Lal Khand area on the Bilaspur–Katni railway line, leaving ten people dead and several others injured.
Rescue and relief operations are underway as railway and local administration teams continue efforts to save trapped passengers. Officials confirmed that an infant was among those rescued safely from the wreckage.
As soon as information about the collision reached authorities, railway staff, local police, and emergency response teams rushed to the site. Several passengers have already been pulled out of the damaged coaches. Those critically injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate treatment.
The front portion of the Korba passenger train suffered extensive damage in the collision. According to eyewitnesses, the women’s reserved bogie bore the maximum impact. One eyewitness said, “More than 10 people have been injured, and many are still trapped inside the bogie.”
Officials said that cranes and heavy machinery were deployed to clear debris from the tracks. Medical teams have also set up a temporary camp near the accident site to assist the injured.
Authorities have also issued helpline numbers at the site of the accident: 9752485499 and 8602007202. Contact numbers for the Champa Junction (808595652), Raigarh (975248560), and Pendra Road (8294730162), have also been provided.
Following the accident, the railway administration dispatched a medical team and divisional officers to the site. Senior railway officials also left from Bilaspur to oversee rescue and restoration work personally.
Due to the accident, train movement on the Bilaspur–Katni route has been completely halted. Several express and passenger trains have either been cancelled or diverted to alternate routes.
The collision caused severe damage to overhead wires and signaling systems, delaying restoration efforts. Railway technical teams are currently repairing the damaged track and equipment to resume services as soon as possible.
To assist stranded passengers, the Railways has arranged alternative transport options, including buses and local shuttle services.
The cause of the train accident has not yet been confirmed. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident. However, initial reports suggest that the collision may have occurred due to a signaling fault or human error.
Officials have said that safety audits will be conducted along the route to identify potential lapses. Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh government has assured full medical and logistical support for all victims and their families.
Railway officials are expected to release an official statement once the rescue operations are completed and preliminary findings are known.
The Bilaspur train tragedy has left the state in shock. Families of passengers gathered at local stations seeking information about their loved ones. The Railways is expected to announce compensation for the deceased and injured soon.
This tragic incident once again raises serious questions about railway safety and signaling systems in India.
