NEW DELHI: Seven elephants were killed and one calf injured after a herd was hit by the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam’s Hojai district early on Saturday (Dec 20), officials said.
Five coaches of the train were derailed in the incident, disrupting rail movement in parts of the Northeast.
The accident took place around 2.17am when the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani struck elephants that were crossing the railway tracks. No passengers or railway staff were injured, officials said.
Forest department authorities later confirmed that seven elephants died on the spot. An injured calf was rescued and is undergoing treatment.
Loco pilot applied brakes, collision still occurred
Officials said the loco pilot noticed the herd on the tracks and applied emergency brakes. Despite the attempt, the elephants reportedly ran into the train, leading to the collision and derailment.
Authorities clarified that the accident did not occur on a notified elephant corridor.
The site of the incident is about 126 km from Guwahati. Railway officials and accident relief teams were rushed to the spot soon after the incident.
Train services affected, passengers shifted
Rail services to Upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast were affected due to the derailment and the presence of elephant carcasses on the tracks.
Several trains passing through the section were diverted through alternative routes as a precaution.
Passengers travelling in the derailed coaches were shifted to vacant berths in other coaches of the same train.
Railway authorities said additional coaches will be attached once the train reaches Guwahati, after which it will continue its onward journey.
Helpline numbers have been activated at Guwahati railway station — 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622 and 0361-2731623.
Track restoration work is underway to clear the affected section and resume normal train operations.
The incident today has again brought attention to human-wildlife conflict in Assam, especially along railway lines that cross forest zones. - The Statesman/ANN
