In a dramatic display of human courage and solidarity, passengers aboard the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Train transformed into immediate first responders when their train collided with a stationary goods train near Bilaspur on Thursday night. The tragic incident has claimed 11 lives while leaving several others injured, painting a picture of both devastation and heroism.
The accident occurred around 9:50 PM near the Kumhari station, approximately 30 kilometers from Bilaspur, when the passenger train rear-ended the goods train that was standing on the same track. The impact was severe enough to derail multiple coaches, creating a scene of chaos and destruction.
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
Survivors recount how fellow passengers immediately sprang into action without waiting for official rescue teams to arrive. These unlikely heroes used whatever means available - from bare hands to makeshift tools - to pull trapped victims from the wrecked coaches.
"We heard a massive crash, and then screams everywhere," recounted Ramesh Kumar, a passenger who helped rescue three people. "Without thinking twice, we started breaking windows and pulling people out. There was no time to wait - we had to act immediately."
The Aftermath and Rescue Operations
Local authorities quickly mobilized disaster response teams, with ambulances and medical personnel rushing to the scene. The injured were transported to multiple hospitals in Bilaspur and nearby areas, where medical teams worked through the night.
Railway officials have confirmed that among the deceased are both passengers and railway staff. The precise cause of the collision is under investigation, though preliminary reports suggest possible signaling issues.
Official Response and Compensation
Railway authorities have announced compensation for the victims' families, with ₹10 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for the injured. A high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact circumstances that led to this tragic incident.
As the community mourns the lives lost, the stories of passenger-led rescue efforts serve as a powerful reminder of human resilience in the face of tragedy. The quick thinking and selfless actions of ordinary travelers undoubtedly saved numerous lives during those critical first moments following the collision.
