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Fatal collision between train and elephant herd
Seven wild Asian elephants, including several calves, died after a high-speed train struck a herd crossing railway tracks in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday, officials confirmed.
Incident details
The Delhi-bound express was traveling through northeastern India when the driver spotted a large group of elephants on the tracks and applied emergency brakes. Despite the effort, the train hit part of the herd, killing seven animals.
A surviving calf was injured in the crash, while five train carriages derailed. No passengers or crew members were harmed, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.
Aftermath and disruptions
Train services in the area faced cancellations and diversions following the incident. Veterinarians later examined the dead elephants before they were buried.
Assam is home to nearly 6,000 elephants, one of India's largest populations. While herds frequently cross local railway lines, Saturday's collision occurred outside a designated elephant corridor, railway authorities noted.
Safety concerns raised
Wildlife advocates have long warned about the risks of train-elephant collisions in Assam, where expanding rail networks intersect with natural habitats. The latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructure development with conservation efforts.
