Bilaspur Train Accident: Death Toll Climbs to 11

A passenger train crash near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh has tragically resulted in 11 fatalities and left many more injured. The mishap involved a MEMU passenger service, train number 68733, traveling from Gevra Road towards Bilaspur. It collided head-on with a stationary goods train near Lal Khand, just outside the main station. The severity of the impact was such that the front coach of the passenger train was thrown atop the freight wagons, causing significant destruction and widespread alarm. The collision occurred on the up line between Gatora and Bilaspur stations within the South East Central Railway division. While the exact cause is still being investigated, initial reports suggest a critical error in track management, possibly due to signal failure or human error, placed both trains on the same route. Following the incident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister announced immediate relief measures, including Rs. 5 lakh in compensation for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured, alongside provisions for free medical treatment. The site has since been cleared, and train services have been restored.