MEMU collides with stationary goods train near Bilaspur, CRS to probe

A passenger MEMU train traveling from Gevra Road to Bilaspur collided with a stationary goods train on Tuesday afternoon near Lalkhadan, between Gatora and Bilaspur stations in Chhattisgarh, derailing several coaches, damaging overhead electrical wires and signalling equipment and prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations, officials said. The incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on the busy Bilaspur-Katni section and halted train movement on the corridor.

Railways officials said a preliminary assessment suggests the passenger train may have passed a signal at danger, a type of error known as SPAD. The national rail operator has ordered a formal inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety to determine the cause and to recommend corrective measures. Senior railway managers, including the South East Central Railway general manager and the Bilaspur divisional railway manager, travelled to the site to oversee response efforts.

Casualty figures remain uncertain. A railways statement said six people were killed and five injured, and that several passengers remain under treatment at local hospitals. Local administration figures reported between four and seven fatalities in...