India: Two trains collide in Chhattisgarh; at least 5 dead, many injured

A passenger train collided with a cargo train near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, killing at least five people and injuring several others, media reports said. The incident occurred about 116 km (72 miles) from the state capital, Raipur.

The Korba passenger train struck the freight train along the Bilaspur–Katni section near the Lal Khadan area, causing multiple coaches to derail and triggering widespread panic among passengers, officials added. Emergency teams have been deployed to the site to provide medical assistance, and authorities are working to clear the tracks and restore rail services.

The cause of the collision is under investigation, and train operations along the affected section have been suspended or diverted.

The accident occurred around 4 pm local time. Railway officials said all available resources have been deployed, and measures are underway to provide medical care to the injured.

Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal confirmed four fatalities, while a police officer at the scene said two passengers remained trapped under debris. Rescue teams are using hydraulic cutters to extricate them.

“We lost four precious lives; rescue teams are using every resource to free the trapped, two more people are being extricated, but we cannot say anything about them as of now,” Agarwal told reporters.

Over a dozen others sustained injuries ranging from fractures to severe trauma. Medical teams and ambulances were deployed immediately, transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals for treatment.

The collision’s impact was severe, with some coaches mounting over each other, triggering panic among passengers and locals nearby. Several coaches derailed, while overhead wires and the signalling system were severely damaged, disrupting train operations along the route.

SECR officials, including General Manager Tarun Prakash and Bilaspur Divisional Railway Manager Rajmal Khoiwal, rushed to the site to oversee rescue and relief operations.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SECR confirmed two people were officially injured, though local reports suggest the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

Train services on the affected route have been suspended or diverted, and helpline numbers have been issued for families seeking information. Compensation for victims is expected following initial assessments.

Preliminary reports indicate that both trains ended up on the same track, though it is unclear whether this resulted from a signalling failure or human error. A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the collision.

The accident drew a large crowd of onlookers, with local authorities working alongside railway personnel to manage the site and ensure safety.

As India reels from yet another rail tragedy, questions are being raised about safety protocols and infrastructure readiness in one of the country’s busiest railway zones.

Railway rescue teams, along with RPF personnel and local police, rushed to the site to carry out relief and evacuation efforts. Emergency medical teams are attending to the injured, while senior railway officials are supervising the operations on site.

Several trains have been cancelled or diverted due to the disruption. Railway authorities have also released helpline numbers for passengers and relatives seeking information:

Medical units and relief teams remain at the site to assist the injured.

Authorities said the cause of the collision is under investigation. Restoration work is in progress to clear the affected section and resume normal train operations.