Bilaspur train accident: Congress leader calls for railway minister resignation

One survivor of the Bilaspur accident described to PTI his horror of the incident as several passengers found themselves trapped under debris, seeing injured and lifeless bodies around them. “When I opened my eyes, I was pinned under the seat. People were crying for help. My coach had climbed onto the goods train. I saw bodies right in front of me, " he said.

Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel talked about the Bilaspur accident, calling it “very tragic.” He also slammed the government, saying that the government is busy transporting coal, because of which the citizens are dying. "Today, the value of a human life has become even less than coal," he said further.

The front coach of the MEMU train, which hit the back of the goods train, is being removed from the Lal Khadan Torva Phatak. Visuals from the site showed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with police and local administration, removing the coach with a crane from the accident site.

Talking about the Bilaspur train accident, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Tuesday said that senior railway and state officials have reached the site, with relief and rescue operations currently underway. He also called it a “very tragic incident.”

Following the Bilaspur train accident, Congress leader TS Singh Deo called for the resignation of railway minister "on moral grounds".

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, "This laxity is the reason such an accident could happen...Additionally, one member from the family of the deceased should be given a job in the railways. Financial assistance should be provided, the injured should receive proper treatment, and they, too, should be given financial assistance."

Congress leader TS Singh Deo termed the incident a "very tragic accident" and said that "such an incident happening there is a matter of extreme negligence".

"Continuous reports come from different regions of the country about accidents in the railway department, and people keep dying in these accidents.... We express our condolences to those who lost their lives in the Bilaspur accident and offer solace to their families," he told news agency ANI.

Deo further added, "The Railway Minister should now resign on moral grounds... This laxity is the reason such an accident could happen... Additionally, one member from the family of the deceased should be given a job in the railways. Financial assistance should be provided, the injured should receive proper treatment, and they, too, should be given financial assistance."

Authorities are engaged in efforts to clear the collision site of a MEMU train with a goods train at Up Line near Lal Khadan Torva Fatak in Chhattisgarh's Bilaspur.

Chhattisgarh deputy CM Vijay Sharma, speaking to news agency ANI, said, "I have heard that a train accident occurred near Bilaspur, in which several people were injured... All possible assistance will be provided to those affected by the government. May God give strength to the families affected by this tragedy."

NDRF, police and local administration are carrying out a rescue operation at the train accident site near Bilaspur railway station.

Bilaspur train accident live: Sanjeev Shukla, IG Bilaspur, has said that the rescue operation is underway and six bodies have been recovered so far. “Teams from Railways, SDRF, and other departments are engaged in the operation. So far, six bodies have been recovered. Thirteen people were injured, three seriously and ten with minor injuries, and have been taken to the hospital for further treatment,” he said.

Bilaspur train accident live: The Railway Board on Tuesday said the collision between the passenger train and goods train near Bilaspur station took place as the passenger train seems to have overshot a red signal. “Passing Signal at Danger by MEMU train seems to be the reason in the preliminary assessment by railway authorities,” a press note from the Railway Board stated.

An injured woman, who was travelling to Bilaspur from Akaltara, told reporters that the train was running when it suddenly rammed into the goods train. "Before I could understand what happened, people started screaming and shouting for help," she said.

The woman further recalled, "After the collision, my leg got trapped under the seat. I was rescued by the responders and first taken to the railway hospital before being referred to another hospital."

Her leg suffered a fracture in the hospital.

Preliminary assessment by railway authorities suggests that Passing Signal at Danger by DEMU train seems to be the reason behind the accident near Bilaspur railway station.

A detailed inquiry into the incident will be conducted at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to ascertain the exact cause and recommend necessary corrective actions.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the train accident near Bilaspur railway station as "extremely heartbreaking".

In a post on X he said, "Information has been gathered from the Bilaspur District Collector, and instructions have been issued to provide them with all possible assistance and relief efforts. The state government stands with the affected families during this difficult time."

"Teams from the railways and administration have immediately sprung into action for relief and rescue operations. All necessary resources and medical assistance are being ensured for the treatment of the injured. The state government is closely monitoring the situation with complete vigilance and sensitivity," he added.

Bilaspur district collector Sanjay Agrawal has now confirmed to news agency ANI that eight people have died in the train collision.

"A total of eight people have lost their lives in this accident. Two people are still stuck here... 16-17 people are in serious condition. This is a big accident. Everyone is present here and we are carrying out rescue operations," he said.

Chhattisgarh deputy chief minister Arun Sao termed the train accident near Bilaspur railway station as a "very tragic incident".

Speaking to reporters, he said, "A very tragic incident has occurred. The goods train was stationary, and a MEMU train collided with it from behind. The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged. Senior railway officials and state government officers have reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations have begun. The injured are being taken to the hospital."

Bilaspur train accident live: According to the initial investigation into the accident, railway authorities have said the accident appears to have occurred due to the passenger train crossing the signal. A detailed inquiry will be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the exact cause and suggest corrective measures.

Bilaspur train accident live: Authorities have announced ex-gratia compensation for those affected by the incident — ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those grievously injured, and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries. The Railway Administration said it is extending all possible assistance to the passengers and their families.

Bilaspur train accident live: Anurag Singh, Senior DCM in Bilaspur, said, "Efforts are on to trace those who are unaccounted for through the helpline number. Information is still being compiled as several formalities are underway. Once all details are consolidated, complete information will be shared."

Bilaspur train accident live: Reacting to the Bilaspur train accident, Chhattisgarh Deputy CM Arun Sao said, "A very tragic incident has occurred. The goods train was stationary, and a MEMU train collided with it from behind. The engine is in the front coach, and some passengers also sit there. That coach has been damaged. Senior railway officials and state government officers have reached the spot. Relief and rescue operations have begun. The injured are being taken to the hospital."

Bilaspur train accident live: Following the accident, the Railway authorities have announced emergency helpline numbers to assist those seeking information about their relatives. Those seeking information regarding the passengers can reach out to 9752485499 and 8602007202. Meanwhile, the railways have also released the contact numbers for nearby stations: Champa Junction (808595652), Raigarh (975248560), and Pendra Road (8294730162).

Bilaspur train accident live: IG Bilaspur Sanjeev Shukla has said that five people have died in the train accident and that two bodies have been trapped in the debris.