In brief
Seven Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train struck them while they were crossing the tracks in Assam, India. The train driver attempted to stop, but tragically some elephants were hit. Five train carriages derailed but passengers were unharmed. Local officials noted that this incident occurred outside a designated elephant corridor.
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 announced. The unfortunate incident occurred early on Saturday in Hojai district, Assam state, where another calf was reported injured.The Northeast Frontier Railway stated that the train driver spotted the herd and engaged the emergency brakes; however, several elephants were still struck. As a result, five carriages derailed, although no injuries were reported among the passengers and crew traveling on the Delhi-bound express. Train services in the region experienced cancellations and diversions throughout the day.Following the collision, veterinarians examined the deceased elephants before they were buried. Assam is home to one of India's largest elephant populations, with nearly 6,000 elephants recorded in the state. Local railway tracks frequently see crossing elephant herds, yet this incident transpired in an area not recognized as a designated elephant corridor, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.
