At least eight people were killed and several others injured after two trains collided in Bilaspur on Tuesday afternoon. The incident took place between Gatora and Bilaspur railway stations with a passenger train ramming into a goods train from behind. Preliminary investigations suggested that the goods train had crossed a red signal and caused the accident.
“A train accident took place near Bilaspur today. I have been informed that five people have lost their lives. The rescue operation is underway. This is very sad news. Rs 5 lakhs will be provided to the family members of the deceased. The injured will be given free treatment, and Rs 50,000 will also be given to them,” said Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Several trains were cancelled following the collision while others are running late. Clearance and restoration work remains underway at the site of the accident. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao also confirmed said that an investigation has been ordered into the Bilaspur train accident and that treatment for the injured passengers was underway.
What caused the derailment?
According to details shared by Sao, the goods train had been stationary when the passenger train rammed into it from behind. A preliminary assessment by the Railway authorities cited ‘passing signal at danger’ by the DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit) goods train as the key reason behind the accident. Put more simply this means that the goods train had crossed a red signal.
Officials have launched a probe into the matter and a detailed inquiry will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety to ascertain the exact cause and recommend necessary corrective actions.