Tragic Train Incident Claims Lives of Elephants in Assam
In a heartbreaking incident in northeastern India, a passenger train struck a herd of elephants early Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of seven elephants and injuring a calf. The Rajdhani Express, which was carrying approximately 650 passengers, was traveling through Assam when the driver noticed around 100 wild Asiatic elephants crossing the tracks. Despite quickly applying the emergency brakes, the train collided with several of the animals.
The impact caused the train’s engine and five of its coaches to derail. Fortunately, none of the passengers were harmed, as they were on a journey from Sairang in Mizoram to New Delhi. Indian Railways spokesperson Kapinjal Kishore Sharma reported that undamaged coaches were detached, allowing the train to resume its journey, while around 200 passengers from the derailed coaches were transferred to a different train heading to Guwahati.
Veterinarians on the scene examined the deceased elephants, which were scheduled to be buried later that day. Assam is home to an estimated 7,000 wild Asiatic elephants, and train-related incidents involving these majestic animals have been a continuing problem in the area. Since 2020, at least a dozen elephants have lost their lives on railway tracks in Assam.
Asiatic elephants are categorized as endangered, with an estimated global population of only 30,000 to 50,000 remaining in the wild.
