The collision between the Purshottam Express and a stationary engine on June 20 occurred due to "failure of the railway staff," according to the preliminary findings of the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South Eastern Circle, Balbir Singh.

"According to the Commissioner's provisional finding, appended with his preliminary report, the accident occurred due to failure of railway staff," an official press note said.

The accident occurred at about 9:50 pm when the Purushottam Express came on the same track on which the engine was stationary between Birajpur and Gamariah rail stations under the Chakradharpur division of the South Eastern Railway.

Three railway employees - the driver, assistant driver of a light engine and the assistant stationmaster of Gamariah station - have been suspended in connection with the accident.

SER General Manager R R Bhandari, who met the injured persons in local hospitals after visiting the mishap site, issued the order of suspension against the three after he found them "responsible for the collision based on prima facie evidences."