Screeching metal, a thunderous jolt and shock. Passengers recall how an ordinary commute from a coal township in Chhattisgarh turned deadly in seconds.
11 people were killed and at least 20 others were injured when a passenger train moving from Gevra to Bilaspur crashed into a stationary goods train.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the engine and the first coach of the passenger train climbed onto the last wagon of the freight train. Visuals from the accident site show the front coaches of the commuter train were completely crushed.
A senior railway official said, "The passenger train hit the goods train from behind at a speed of 60 to 70 kmph after overshooting a red signal."
Rescue operation
Rescue teams from the railways, the local administration, and the National Disaster Response Force were rushed to the scene.
Reports suggest the wreckage delayed the evacuation process. But, medical teams were seen treating the seriously injured on site, before rescue teams eventually pulled them out of the coaches.
The injured passengers have been shifted to Apollo Hospital and Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur.
What led to the crash?
Preliminary reports suggest the accident was caused by a signal breach. A statement from the South East Central Railway said the loco pilot might have missed a red signal. But, reports also claim the driver applied emergency brakes, preventing a bigger tragedy.
PTI reported that the loco pilot was among those killed in the crash, and the female assistant loco pilot was among those injured.
The railways has initiated a detailed probe into the collision. Remember, this is the sixth fatal railways accident this year.
The railways has announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the kin of the deceased. The passengers who sustained serious injuries will get Rs 5 lakh, while those with minor injuries will be compensated with Rs 1 lakh.
