Chhattisgarh: Train runs over commuters, 16 killed

At least 16 people were killed and 15 injured when a speeding train mowed them down at a railway crossing in Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh on Saturday evening.

The accident occurred around 7pm at Tarbahar Sirgitti crossing on the outer edge of the town, said Ajay Yadav, Superintendent of Police, Bilaspur.

Soon after one train passed the crossing, the waiting crowds surged forward, little knowing another train was around the bend, he said. Several people were mowed down. "The exact casualty figures are not clear. It could be anywhere between 15 and 18," said Yadav.

"It was a local train travelling from Bilaspur to Raipur," said railway spokesperson Sabtosh Kumar. He put the casualty figure at 16.

Local authorities said a restive mob had gathered at the accident site and was threatening to burn down the train engine and other railway property.

Both railway and district police were at the spot trying to keep the mob under check.

This was complicating efforts to remove the bodies, said Yadav. "We have appealed to local leaders to help us calm down the mob," he added.

Tarbahar crossing is manned, said the railway spokesperson. It is not entirely clear how such an accident could take place under the watch of railway staff.