Chhattisgarh train accident kills 11: Did loco pilot cross ‘danger’ signal? Railways orders detailed inquiry

Bilapur train accident

A preliminary assessment by the Railways suggests that signal passed at danger (SPAD) may have led to Tuesday’s collision between a passenger train and a goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh. At least 11 people were killed and 20 seriously injured in the incident.

Officials said the loco pilot of the passenger train is suspected to have crossed a signal that was set at the “danger” (red) position.

Following the incident, which claimed eight lives and left several others injured, the Railways has ordered a detailed probe. The inquiry will be carried out by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) to determine the exact cause and suggest corrective measures.

News18 cited top sources as saying that the section of track where the accident occurred is equipped with an automatic signalling system, which will be a key focus of the investigation. In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the Railways Board said: “Passing Signal at Danger by MEMU train seems to be the reason in the preliminary assessment by railway authorities.”

#WATCH | Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: Four people have lost their lives and others are injured as the coaches of a MEMU train and a goods train collided between Gatora–Bilaspur at about 16:00 hours.

(Visuals from the spot) pic.twitter.com/qQfjyklX91

— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2025

The collision occurred around 4 pm as the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) passenger service was travelling from Gevra in neighbouring Korba district towards Bilaspur. Officials said the crash happened between Gatora and Bilaspur stations, when the passenger train slammed into the rear of a stationary goods train.

“So far, eight bodies have been recovered, including four women and four men,” Inspector General (Bilaspur Range) Sanjeev Shukla said, adding that rescue operations are still underway, and the death toll may rise once the debris are completely cleared.

Visuals from the site show the impact was severe, with one of the passenger coaches lifted and perched on top of a goods wagon. The railway administration has deployed relief and rescue teams on a war footing, continuing operations late into the evening.

The Railways has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed, Rs 5 lakh for passengers who suffered serious injuries, and ?1 lakh for those with minor wounds, according to an official statement.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed grief over the Bilaspur train accident, which took the lives of eight and injured several others.

He announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.