Chhattisgarh train tragedy: Death toll rises to 11, five lakh compensation announced

As many as 11 people died, with 20 passengers injured in the Chhattisgarh train tragedy, near Bilaspur Railway Station, as reported by officials on Wednesday. The tragic accident took place on Tuesday, when a goods train collided with a mainline electric multiple unit (MSME) local. 

Following the accident, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased, and a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those injured. 

What led to the accident? 

As per the officials, the incident reportedly took place around 4 pm on Tuesday, when the MEMU passenger train was heading from Gevra (Korba district) to Bilaspur, when it was rammed by a goods train from behind. Within no time, the metals screeched, windows broke, and panic took over everyone inside. 

It happened at a spot few kilometres away from Bilaspur city, which serves as the headquarters of the South Eastern Central Railway (SECR) zone. 

The severe collission resulted in the coach of the passenger train moving up on the top of a wagon of the cargo train. 

Inspector General (Builaspur range) Sanjeev Shukla said, "So far, eight bodies have been recovered, including four men and four women. Rescue operations are still underway, and the death toll may rise, once the debris are completely cleared." 

The injured passegers have been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur. Collector Sanjay Agrawal stated, "One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition."