Initial probe blames crew error for Bilaspur train collision that killed 11

A preliminary investigation into the tragic Bilaspur train collision, which claimed 11 lives on Tuesday, has found that the crew of the passenger train failed to control the train after overshooting a red signal. The accident took place near Bilaspur railway station in Chhattisgarh when a local MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train rammed into a stationary goods train around 4 pm.

According to officials, the impact of the collision was so powerful that one of the passenger train’s coaches mounted onto a wagon of the goods train. Among the deceased were the loco pilot and several passengers, while the assistant loco pilot was critically injured and remains under treatment.

The preliminary report, prepared by a five-member team of experts, stated that the MEMU train (no. 68733) failed to stop at danger signal number AJ-5 and collided with the rear brake van of the goods train (no. N/MDIT). The probe revealed a clear “Signal Passed at Danger” (SPAD) violation — a serious operational error in which a train crosses a red signal.

“The crew of the MEMU train failed to control the train at the right time and position before the danger signal,” the report stated. It added that the MEMU, consisting of eight coaches, had departed from platform number 2 of Gevra station at 3:48 pm and struck the goods train just two minutes later, at 3:50 pm.

The collision caused the brake van of the goods train to completely overturn, while the locomotive of the MEMU train climbed onto one of the wagons. Railway officials have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident, while the Commissioner of Railway Safety will conduct an independent inquiry to determine the precise cause.

Authorities have announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased. The Congress party has also demanded a comprehensive probe and ₹1 crore compensation for each victim’s family.