Tragedy struck near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday evening, with a collision between a passenger train and a goods train resulting in eight fatalities. The Gevra Road-Bilaspur MEMU passenger train crashed into the rear of a goods train around 4 PM, between Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations. The force of the impact was catastrophic, severely crushing the front coaches of the passenger train.
Video footage circulating from the scene depicts the grim aftermath: twisted metal, rescue workers meticulously searching the wreckage, and plumes of smoke rising from the damaged coaches. Passengers from unaffected carriages are seen in a state of shock and panic. Emergency services, including the NDRF, are coordinating extensive rescue and recovery operations. Paramedics are on-site, providing critical care, including initial treatment inside the train compartments where access is challenging.
Authorities have confirmed the recovery of eight deceased individuals. Recovery efforts continue for a trapped loco pilot. The accident has caused substantial disruption to railway operations on the affected line. Essential infrastructure like overhead power lines and signaling equipment suffered damage, prompting an urgent repair initiative. The railway authorities have commenced a formal inquiry to ascertain the root cause of the accident.