A high-speed train collided with a herd of wild Asian elephants in India's northeastern Assam state early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of seven elephants, including calves. An additional calf sustained injuries in the incident, which occurred in the Hojai district. Five carriages of the Delhi-bound express train derailed, though no human injuries were reported among passengers or railway staff.
Incident Details
The collision occurred during the early hours of Saturday in the Hojai district of Assam state. A high-speed train struck a herd of wild Asian elephants that was crossing the railway tracks.
Seven elephants, among them multiple calves, were killed in the incident. Another calf sustained injuries.
Operational Impact and Response
The Northeast Frontier Railway reported that the train operator initiated emergency braking procedures after sighting the elephants on the tracks. Despite these measures, the collision took place.
Following the impact, five carriages of the Delhi-bound express train derailed. There were no reported injuries to any passengers or railway personnel aboard the train.
Train services in the affected area experienced cancellations and diversions throughout the remainder of the day due to the incident.