“Passing Signal at Danger by DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train seems to be the reason in the preliminary assessment by railway authorities,” a press note from the Railway Board stated.
New Delhi: A tragic rail accident near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday claimed six lives and left five others injured after a local passenger train rammed into a stationary goods train. The Railway Board’s preliminary investigation suggests that the Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) passenger train overshot a red signal, leading to the collision.
The incident occurred around 4 pm between Gatora and Bilaspur stations when the Gevra–Bilaspur DEMU train crashed into the goods train from behind. Following the accident, emergency relief and rescue operations were launched immediately, with senior railway officials rushing to the site to oversee efforts.
In a statement, the Railway Board said that initial findings point to the passenger train’s failure to halt at a signal as the likely cause. “Passing the signal at danger by the DEMU train appears to be the reason for the incident in preliminary assessment,” it said.
All the injured passengers were promptly moved to nearby hospitals for treatment. The Railway Administration announced ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, Rs 5 lakh for those grievously injured, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries.
Officials said all possible assistance is being provided to affected passengers and their relatives, with continuous coordination between the railways, district authorities, and medical teams to ensure timely support.
A detailed inquiry will be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety to establish the exact cause and identify necessary corrective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
For information and assistance, helpline numbers have been activated at key stations: Bilaspur (7777857335, 7869953330), Champa (8085956528), Raigarh (9752485600), Pendra Road (8294730162), Korba (7869953330), and Uslapur (7777857338).
The Railway Board assured that the situation is being closely monitored and that relief operations will continue until all passengers and their families receive the required help
