FIR Against Unidentified Person in Bilaspur Train Crash That Killed 11
In a devastating incident, at least 11 passengers died and over 50 were injured when a goods train collided with the stationary Bastar Express at Kumhari railway station in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The Government Railway Police (GRP) has filed an FIR against an unidentified person, intensifying scrutiny over railway safety failures.
Bilaspur Train Crash: Key Details
- When: Early Tuesday morning (approx. 2:50 AM)
- Where: Kumhari railway station, Bilaspur
- Trains Involved: Bastar Express (Jagdalpur-Durg) and a goods train
- Casualties: 11 dead, 50+ injured
- FIR Filed Under: IPC Sections 304 (culpable homicide), 337, 338
How Did the Accident Happen?
Eyewitnesses reported the Bastar Express was halted due to a signal failure when the goods train collided, crushing three sleeper coaches. Rescue teams, including the NDRF, worked for hours to free trapped passengers.
FIR Against Unknown: Accountability in Question
The GRP’s FIR does not name a suspect, raising concerns over transparency. Initial findings suggest:
– Signal system failure forced manual operations.
– Possible human error by the goods train driver.
– Delayed implementation of Kavach anti-collision tech.
Railway Safety Failures Under Fire
This crash follows the 2023 Balasore tragedy (288 deaths), highlighting recurring issues:
– Outdated signaling systems
– Staff shortages and fatigue
– Slow adoption of safety tech like Kavach
Compensation and Political Reactions
- Compensation: ₹10L for deceased, ₹2L for critical injuries, ₹50K for minor injuries.
- Opposition Criticism: Rahul Gandhi called it a “man-made disaster,” demanding accountability.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Key focuses include:
1. Signal failure root cause
2. Negligence by railway staff
3. Lapses in safety protocols
Conclusion: Urgent Reforms Needed
While the FIR is a procedural step, systemic reforms in signaling, staffing, and tech upgrades are critical to preventing future tragedies.
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