Police file FIR in Bilaspur train crash

The Chhattisgarh Police on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) registered a case of death by negligence and other offences against unknown persons in connection with Tuesday’s (November 4, 2025) train accident in Bilaspur in which a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train. Eleven people have died in the accident, the Railways said.

Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Rajnesh Singh said the FIR was registered on the basis of a memo submitted by the Railways on Tuesday (November 4, 2025). He added that an initial probe by the Railways, which found that the crew had failed to control the passenger train at a red signal, will also be a part of the police investigation. 

The report, prepared by five experts, found that the “crew of train no. 68733 (MEMU local) failed to control the train at danger signal no. AJ-5 and collided with the rear brake van (last coach) of train no. N/MDIT (goods train)”. It said that the crew committed a “Signal Passed at Danger” violation – an instance of overshooting a red signal.

The train’s loco pilot died in the crash, while the injured assistant loco pilot remained hospitalised and unfit to give a statement till Wednesday (November 5, 2025) evening. 

“We received the initial report, but these are prima facie technical points and are part of our investigation. The Commissioner of Railway Safety will now look into the cause of the accident and provide a detailed report during which police officers will also be present,” said Mr. Singh. 

Mr. Singh said the FIR was registered under Sections 106 (1) (causing death by negligence), 125 (A) (causing hurt by an act endangering the life or personal safety of others) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and Sections 153, 154 and 175 of the Railways Act, 1989 (all dealing with negligence and endangering safety of persons on a railway carriage). 

The Central government said that B. K. Mishra, Commissioner of Railway Safety (under the Ministry of Civil Aviation), South Eastern Circle, Kolkata, will conduct an inquiry under Section 113 of the Indian Railways Act. 

“ This investigation will commence in the office of Divisional Railway Manager, Bilaspur... . Any person having information regarding this accident and the facts related to it and willing to give evidence can appear and give evidence... or can send information in writing... ,” the government said in a press release. 

A railway spokesperson said the investigation will begin formally on Thursday (November 6, 2025).

Earlier, the rescue operations were called off around 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday (November 5, 2025) with the Indian Railways issuing a bulletin updating the death count that was eight till Tuesday midnight. “Eleven persons, including six women, have lost their lives, and 20 others were injured in the accident,” the Railways said.