By Janhvi Ahuja
Pune: Eleven individuals lost their lives when a local MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) Korba passenger train crashed into a freight or stationary goods train in the Lal Khadan region of the Bilaspur-Katni section located within the Bilaspur district of Chattisgarh. Alongside these deaths, twenty-one other people faced severe injuries. Since the force of the collision was intense, it drastically impacted the front coach of the passenger train, ultimately destroying and crushing the entire section.
Circulated images showcasing the scene of the accident reveal that the engine and leading coaches of the Korba trains were completely smashed together and disheveled. However, immediate action was taken by the rescue teams, including the railway officials and local authorities who rushed to the site for the people’s aid. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also contributed in the recovery and evacuation during this casualty.
Godavari and Gotibai, both aged 60 were a part of the collision. With many passengers being deceased and injured, families across the country are left devastated with this news. However, most of the train’s travellers were unharmed, those hurt are in the process of recovering and during the rescue operation conducted by the authorities, a baby was brought to safety.
The local hospitals around the site of the crash have taken the injured passengers under their care and the doctors are conducting thorough checks to ensure proper, speedy recovery.
The collision has resulted in significant damage to the overhead electrical wiring and signaling system, causing disruption and frequency disturbances across the rail route. Due to this collision and as an extended safety precaution, several express and passenger trains have either been cancelled or rerouted, and alternate transportation options are being provided simultaneously for the passengers that are stranded. These technical aspects are being handled by officials in order to repair the electrical systems for the smooth operation of other trains.
The locomotive pilot and the assistant locomotive pilot, both in charge of the passenger train, were also found injured within the motor coach during its inspection. While the locomotive pilot subsequently passed away, the assistant locomotive pilot was promptly transferred to the nearest hospital along with another passenger for immediate care and check-ups.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety and a crew of railway members are dedicated to carrying out a thorough investigation into the accident and provide a detailed report comprising the nuances of this casualty to prevent other such mishappenings.