At least six people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after a passenger train rammed into a stationary goods train in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh, India, officials said on Wednesday.
The collision occurred late Tuesday night near Bhatapara railway station, when the Bilaspur–Raipur passenger train reportedly failed to halt in time and struck the rear of the goods train standing on the same track.
“Initial reports indicate human error as the possible cause,” said Sandeep Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager (Bilaspur Division). “A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.”
Rescue teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from mangled coaches. Passengers trapped inside the compartments were evacuated after several hours of operation.
Officials confirmed that the injured have been moved to nearby hospitals in Bilaspur and Raipur, with some reported to be in critical condition.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” said Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s Railway Minister, who also announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims’ families and the injured.
Train services along the busy Bilaspur–Raipur corridor have been temporarily suspended as restoration work continues to clear the damaged tracks and coaches.
The tragic crash adds to a string of railway incidents in India this year, renewing calls for improved safety systems, signaling upgrades, and stricter operational oversight within the Indian Railways network, one of the world’s largest.
