Raipur, Nov 4 (NationPress) In a devastating railway incident that rocked Chhattisgarh, four individuals lost their lives and two others remain unaccounted for after a MEMU passenger train, heading from Gevra Road to Bilaspur, collided with a stationary freight train near Bilaspur station, as reported by officials.

Injuries were reported among several passengers.

The collision transpired around 4 p.m. on the up line between Gatora and Bilaspur stations, within the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone.

Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agarwal confirmed four fatalities, while a police officer at the scene noted that two passengers were still trapped under the wreckage as hydraulic cutters worked tirelessly to free them.

Many others suffered injuries, with conditions ranging from fractures to severe trauma.

“We mourn the loss of four valuable lives; rescue teams are utilizing all available resources to rescue the trapped individuals, although we cannot provide further information at this moment,” Agarwal stated to reporters amid the chaotic scenes at Lal Khadan, where locals and onlookers gathered in large numbers.

The MEMU service number 68733 was en route to Bilaspur when it struck the rear of the freight train near Lal Khand, just outside Bilaspur railway station.

The force of the collision was so intense that the leading coach of the MEMU train mounted the freight rake, causing significant damage and inciting panic among passengers.

Eyewitness videos circulating on social media depict the passenger coach precariously positioned atop the freight wagons, highlighting the severity of the crash.

Railway officials, including SECR General Manager Tarun Prakash and Bilaspur Divisional Railway Manager Rajmal Khoiwal, arrived promptly at the scene to supervise rescue and relief efforts.

Medical teams and ambulances were dispatched immediately, transporting injured passengers to nearby hospitals for urgent care.

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of SECR confirmed two injuries, although local reports suggest that the death toll may increase as rescue operations continue.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. Initial findings imply that both trains were on the same track, but it remains uncertain if this was due to signalling failure or human error. A high-level inquiry has been initiated to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the collision.

Train services on the impacted route have been suspended or rerouted, and the railway has established helpline numbers for families seeking information about their loved ones. Compensation for the victims is anticipated to be announced following the completion of initial assessments.

The accident has attracted a large crowd to the scene, with local authorities collaborating with railway personnel to manage the situation and ensure the safety of onlookers. As the nation grapples with yet another railway disaster, discussions surrounding safety protocols and infrastructure readiness in one of India’s busiest railway sectors are intensifying.