At least 11 people were killed and 20 others injured after a passenger train collided with a goods train near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, 4 November 2025. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the death toll had risen to 11 as rescue operations concluded.
The accident occurred at around 4 pm when the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train, travelling from Gevra in Korba district to Bilaspur, rammed into a stationary goods train from behind. According to a senior railway official, the passenger train “hit the goods train from behind at a speed of 60 to 70 kmph after overshooting a red signal.” The impact of the crash was severe, with one coach of the passenger train ending up atop a wagon of the goods train. Loco pilot Vidya Sagar was among those killed, while assistant loco pilot Rashmi Raj sustained serious injuries. The guard of the goods train managed to jump out of the brake van at the last moment, escaping with minor injuries.
Railway authorities said, “Eleven persons have lost their lives and 20 others were injured in the accident.” Relief and rescue operations were launched immediately, and all injured passengers were shifted to Apollo Hospital and the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur for treatment. The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for passengers with minor injuries. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and announced an additional ₹5 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
A detailed inquiry will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the cause of the collision and recommend corrective measures. The railway official added that the focus of the investigation will be on why the signal was breached and whether there was any technical or human error involved.
