Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh – A terrible train accident shook the city this evening. Around 4 PM on November 4, 2025, a passenger train smashed into a goods train from behind. At least 8 people lost their lives. More than 14 others got hurt. Rescue teams worked non-stop through the night. This is one of the worst rail crashes in Chhattisgarh this year.
The crash happened near Bilaspur railway station. It was between Gatora and Jairamnagar stations. The MEMU passenger train numbered 68733 was coming from Gevra Road in Korba district. It was going to Bilaspur. The goods train was standing still on the track. The front coach of the passenger train climbed right on top of the goods wagon. Tracks got bent. Overhead wires snapped. The scene looked like a nightmare.
Eyewitnesses said it all happened in seconds. “We heard a big bang. The train jerked hard. People screamed. Seats broke. My leg got stuck,” said one injured woman from Akaltara. She is now in hospital with a broken leg.
What Exactly Happened? Step-by-Step Timeline
Here’s how the tragic day unfolded:
- 4:00 PM: MEMU train 68733 hits the rear of the stationary goods train. Front coach mounts on wagon. Overhead lines and signals damaged.
- 4:30 PM: First reports of deaths. Local people rush to help. Railway teams arrive.
- 5:00 PM: Death toll at 4. NDRF and SDRF teams reach with cutters and gear.
- 6:00 PM: Toll rises to 6. 13 injured shifted to hospitals. CM Vishnu Deo Sai gets alert.
- 7:00 PM: Railways announce compensation. Helplines start working.
- 8:00 PM: Official toll 8 dead, 14-17 hurt. Two still trapped. Probe starts.
- 10:00 PM+: Rescue goes on. Tracks being fixed. Trains diverted.
This timeline shows how fast things moved. Families waited in fear outside hospitals.
Who All Lost Their Lives? Casualties and Injuries
The death count started at 4 but climbed to 8 by evening. Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal said, “Eight people have died. Two were still stuck. 16-17 are badly hurt. This is a big accident. We are doing all we can.” A child was among the dead. Many were daily passengers from Korba area.
14 to 17 injured. Three in serious condition. They are at Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur. One woman is critical. Doctors say most have fractures and cuts. “We gave first aid on spot. Now full treatment,” said a railway doctor.
IG Bilaspur Sanjeev Shukla added, “Six bodies out so far. 13 hurt – 3 serious, 10 minor. All in hospital.” Names of dead not out yet. Railways compiling list.
Brave Rescue Efforts Saved Many Lives
As soon as news broke, help poured in. NDRF, SDRF, police, fire teams and railway staff rushed there. They used gas cutters to break metal. Hydraulic jacks lifted heavy parts. “We pulled out an infant safe,” said one rescuer.
Collector Agrawal was on site. “No stone unturned. All teams together.” Deputy CM Arun Sao said, “Goods train was stopped. Passenger hit from back. Engine coach damaged most. Seniors here now.” Operations ran till late night. Two trapped freed by 9 PM.
Videos on X show crowds helping too. #BilaspurTrainAccident trended with thousands of posts.
Why Did This Happen? Signal Mistake Blamed
First reports point to big error. The passenger train’s driver passed a red signal. Railways call it “Signal Passed at Danger” or SPAD. This auto signal area. Train did not stop in time. Hit full speed.
Railway Board said, “Preliminary: MEMU crossed red signal.” Full check by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). They will see speed, brakes, signals. Report soon. “Normal for trains to follow on same track. But signal failed here,” said a PRO.
Trains Stopped: Big Disruptions
Bilaspur-Howrah and Bilaspur-Katni lines blocked. Many trains late or changed path. Some cancelled like Bilaspur-Raipur 68719. Tech teams fix tracks and wires. Full service by morning? Not sure.
Passengers stuck at stations. Railways gave food, water.
Compensation and Help for Families
Railways quick to act. Rs 10 lakh to each dead person’s family. Rs 5 lakh for serious hurt. Rs 1 lakh for small injuries. “All help to families,” said CPRO SECR.
Key Helplines (Call Now):
- Bilaspur: 7777857335, 7869953330
- Korba: 7869953330
- Champa: 8085956528
- Raigarh: 9752485600
- Pendra Road: 8294730162
- Uslapur: 7777857338
- All India: 139 or 1072
If your loved one missing, call these.
What Leaders Said – Heartfelt Words
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai: “Very sad news from Bilaspur. Told Collector to give all help. State with families. Teams on job. Watching closely.” He reviewed site later.
Dy CM Arun Sao: “Tragic. MEMU hit standing goods train. Rescue started fast.”
Former CM Raman Singh: “Heartbreaking. Prayers for dead souls and hurt ones.”
Ex-Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu: “Deeply saddened. Condolences. Pray for injured.”
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi also sent wishes.
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw yet to comment. Public on X demands action.
Rail Safety in India: Is It Getting Better?
India’s trains carry 2 crore people daily. Accidents down over years. From 100+ big ones in 2014 to under 50 now. But SPAD still problem. 2024 had few collisions. 2025 stats not full, but this one hurts.
Govt spent Rs 2.5 lakh crore on safety last 10 years. Kavach system coming – auto brakes on signal fail. But not everywhere yet. Bilaspur track had auto signals. Why failed? CRS will tell.
Experts say train more staff checks. Public wants faster fixes.
Anger on Social Media: People Demand Answers
On X, #BilaspurTrainAccident blew up. “Rail Minister resign!” some shouted. Videos of crash got lakhs views. Families shared pain. “My brother went to work, never came back.” One post had 25K likes.
Many praised rescuers: “NDRF heroes saved lives.”
FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
1. What caused the Bilaspur train accident?
The MEMU passenger train likely passed a red signal (SPAD). It rammed the back of a stopped goods train at 4 PM near Bilaspur. Full CRS probe will confirm. Automatic signals were there, but driver missed stop.
2. How many died and hurt in Bilaspur crash?
8 confirmed dead. 14-17 injured. Toll may rise if trapped ones don’t survive. Collector said 16-17 serious cases at hospitals.
3. Where are injured treated? What’s their condition?
At Apollo Hospital and CIMS Bilaspur. Most have breaks, cuts. 3 critical. One leg fracture woman shared her story. Free treatment by govt.
4. What compensation for victims’ families?
Rs 10 lakh to dead’s kin. Rs 5 lakh serious hurt. Rs 1 lakh minor. Paid soon by railways. Plus state help.
5. Train services affected? How to check?
Bilaspur-Howrah line blocked. Check NTES app or 139. Many diverted or cancelled. Normal by tomorrow morning.
6. Helpline numbers for missing relatives?
Call Bilaspur 7777857335 / 7869953330. Others: Korba 7869953330, Champa 8085956528. National 139. Give PNR or name.
7. When will probe report come? Who leads?
CRS inquiry. Few days to weeks. Will check signals, speed, driver. Fixes suggested.
8. CM or ministers visited site?
CM Sai reviewed via calls, may visit. Dy CMs spoke. Collector, IG on ground whole time.
9. Similar accidents happened before?
Yes, SPAD common. Balasore 2023 killed 290. But numbers falling. Kavach to stop this.
10. Tips for safe train travel?
Sit away from doors. Note emergency exits. Use 139 for issues. Kavach coming soon.
Our hearts go to families. Stay safe. Updates coming. Share if helped.