Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: A passenger train collision with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur station in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, has resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries. Railway authorities suggest the accident occurred because the passenger train may have overshot a red signal.

The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 PM local time when a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) passenger train, en route to Bilaspur from Gevra, collided with a goods train from behind between the Gatora and Bilaspur stations. The impact of the collision caused severe damage, with one of the passenger train's coaches mounting a goods wagon.

"Passing Signal at Danger by MEMU train seems to be the reason in the preliminary assessment by railway authorities," a press note from the Railway Board stated. In railway terms, "passing signal at danger" means crossing a red signal. However, a detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the accident and recommend necessary corrective actions. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will lead this inquiry.

Bilaspur District Collector Sanjay Agrawal confirmed the deaths and reported that 16 to 17 people were seriously injured. He described the accident as significant, noting that rescue operations were immediately initiated. Some passengers were trapped in the wreckage, requiring ongoing efforts to extricate them. Injured passengers have been admitted to Apollo Hospital and the Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in Bilaspur.

Railway authorities have mobilized resources to the accident site and are taking measures to provide medical treatment to the injured. Emergency contact numbers have also been released for assistance.

The Railway Administration has announced an ex-gratia compensation package. ₹10 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those seriously injured, and ₹1 lakh for passengers who sustained minor injuries. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has also directed state government officials to provide support and assistance in relief efforts. The Chief Minister has announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased.

The accident has disrupted train operations on the Howrah-Mumbai route, with several trains being rescheduled. The railways released a schedule with revised timings.