In brief
In a heartbreaking incident in Hojai district, Assam, seven wild Asian elephants, including young calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with them as they crossed the tracks. The train driver attempted to brake but couldn’t prevent the collision. Following the accident, five train carriages derailed, although no human injuries were reported. Local officials highlight the need for better wildlife safety measures in the region.
Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in northeastern India, local officials say.
The incident occurred early on Saturday in Hojai district, Assam state, with another calf reported injured. The Northeast Frontier Railway indicated that the train driver spotted dozens of elephants and utilized emergency brakes, but tragically, some animals were still struck.
Five carriages derailed due to the collision; however, there were no injuries sustained by passengers or staff on the Delhi-bound express. Alongside this, train cancellations and diversions were reported in the surrounding area throughout the day.
The deceased elephants were eventually examined by veterinarians before being buried. Assam is home to one of the largest elephant populations in India, with nearly 6,000 elephants noted in the state. Although local railway tracks are frequently crossed by elephant herds, the collision took place in an area not recognized as an elephant corridor, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.
