Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh | Tuesday: At least four people were killed and several others injured after a Korba passenger train rammed into a stationary freight train near the Lal Khadan area on the Bilaspur–Katni section in Bilaspur district on Tuesday. The impact of the horrific collision left the front coaches of the passenger train completely mangled, trapping several passengers inside.
Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Rajneesh Singh confirmed the fatalities, adding that rescue operations are still underway. “The injured are being shifted to nearby hospitals,” he said.
Dramatic visuals from the accident site show the passenger train’s engine and leading coaches crushed under the weight of the collision, with rescuers continuing to search through mangled metal for survivors. Rescue teams comprising railway personnel, local authorities, and units from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the spot within minutes.
Amid the chaos, officials confirmed that an infant was among those rescued safely. Medical teams have been deployed in large numbers, while doctors are treating several critically injured passengers inside the train compartments due to the narrow access routes and debris obstruction.
The collision has also severely damaged overhead electric wires and the signaling system, resulting in major disruption of rail traffic along the busy corridor. Multiple express and passenger trains have either been cancelled or diverted, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded. Alternative transport arrangements are being facilitated by railway authorities.
Technical teams are working overnight to restore track connectivity and repair electrical infrastructure. Meanwhile, railway officials have launched a probe into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate a possible signaling failure or human error, though a detailed investigation is underway.
Authorities have released emergency helpline numbers for information and assistance:
Helpline Numbers:
Champa Junction: 808595652
Raigarh: 975248560
Pandra Road: 8294730162
Accident Site Emergency Numbers:
9752485499
8602007202
Further updates are awaited as rescue operations continue through the night.
