What happened
According to preliminary railway assessments, the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger train appears to have passed a signal at danger and collided with a stationary goods rake on the up line near Lal Khadan Torva Fatak, close to Bilaspur station. The collision occurred at about 4:00 pm on November 4, 2025.
Casualties, injuries and relief
Bilaspur district officials confirmed eight fatalities and 14 injured passengers. Of the injured, several were taken to nearby hospitals with serious injuries while others received first aid at the railway hospital. Local police, the NDRF, SDRF, and railway teams conducted rescue operations and worked to clear trapped passengers from wreckage.
The state and railway administrations announced ex-gratia payments: ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for grievously injured passengers and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries. Helpline numbers were issued for relatives seeking information.
Official response and investigation
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government was closely monitoring relief and rescue operations and would provide all necessary assistance. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao described the incident as “very tragic” and confirmed the goods train was stationary when it was struck from behind.
The Railway Board issued a preliminary statement indicating the train appears to have passed a red signal. A formal inquiry at the level of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) has been ordered to determine the exact cause and recommend corrective measures.
Voices at the site
District Collector Sanjay Agrawal and IG Bilaspur Sanjeev Shukla led on-ground coordination, confirming multiple bodies had been recovered while some passengers remained unaccounted for during early stages of the rescue. A passenger who survived described chaotic scenes as responders freed trapped travellers and moved injured people to hospitals.
Opposition leaders demanded accountability: a senior Congress leader urged the Railway Minister to resign on moral grounds and sought employment and financial support for victims’ families.
What happens next
The CRS inquiry will examine signal logs, driver and signaller statements, on-board data (if available), and track equipment to establish cause. Railways have also directed local officials to compile passenger lists and coordinate with hospitals. Further details are expected when the CRS report is published.
