In brief
In a heartbreaking incident in Hojai district, Assam, seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed express train collided with them as they crossed the tracks. Although the train driver applied the emergency brakes, the animals were still struck. Five carriages derailed, but fortunately, no injuries were reported among train passengers or staff. This tragedy raises awareness about the need for improved safety measures to protect wildlife in railway corridors.
Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in north-eastern India, local officials say.
They say another calf was injured in the incident early on Saturday in Hojai district, Assam state.
The Northeast Frontier Railway reports that the train driver spotted dozens of elephants and used the emergency brakes, but some animals were still hit.
Five carriages derailed after the collision, but no injuries were reported among passengers and staff on the Delhi-bound express. Train cancellations and diversions were reported in the area throughout the day.
The killed elephants were later examined by veterinarians and buried.
Assam has one of the largest elephant populations in India, with nearly 6,000 animals recorded in the state.
Local railway tracks are frequently crossed by elephant herds, but Saturday's incident occurred at a location that was not designated as an elephant corridor, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.
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