Bilaspur Rail Accident Update: Following the horrific train accident in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday evening, the investigation has now focused on why the MEMU local train broke the signal. Preliminary investigations indicate that the train crossed the designated signal and then collided with the rear of a freight train. This is believed to be the primary cause of the accident.
On Tuesday afternoon, a MEMU passenger train collided with a freight train from behind. The accident occurred around 4 p.m. near Bilaspur station. Six passengers were killed and more than a dozen others were injured. The impact was so severe that a coach of the passenger train rolled over the freight train.
South East Central Railway (SECR) sources stated that the cause of the accident initially appears to be the MEMU train overshooting a signal. According to the railway's operations department, a freight train was already standing on the opposite line when the train approached Bilaspur station. The MEMU train driver likely failed to stop at the signal, and the train collided directly with the freight train.
Brake Failure or Human Error?
The investigation team is now trying to determine whether the signal overshoot was a technical fault or a human error. Railway officials say that MEMU trains have modern signaling and braking systems, making such errors rare. However, the train's speed at the time of the accident and whether the braking system was functioning properly are being investigated. An official said, "It's too early to say whether it was the loco pilot's error or a system failure. The accident is being analyzed."
The collision caused chaos in the Bilaspur station yard. Relief and rescue teams immediately responded and evacuated passengers safely. Six passengers have been confirmed dead and a dozen injured. Senior railway officials and technical experts are present at the spot, and a detailed investigation into the incident is underway.