On a tragic Saturday morning in Assam, India, seven wild Asiatic elephants were killed when a passenger train collided with a herd crossing the tracks. This incident occurred in a forested area located approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) southeast of Guwahati, the state capital. The train driver, who noticed a herd of about 100 elephants, applied the emergency brakes; however, the train was unable to stop in time to prevent the collision, according to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, a spokesman for Indian Railways.
The impact of the collision caused the derailment of five train coaches along with the engine, but remarkably, there were no human casualties reported. Following the accident, veterinarians conducted autopsies on the deceased elephants, which were scheduled to be buried later that day. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of animal and train collisions in India, particularly in regions where wildlife and human activities intersect.
The Rajdhani Express train, operating with 650 passengers on board, was traveling from Sairang in Mizoram state, near the Myanmar border, and was en route to New Delhi when the unfortunate event took place. After the collision, Indian Railways took immediate action by delinking the coaches that had not derailed, allowing the train to continue its journey toward the capital. Passengers from the affected five derailed coaches were subsequently transferred to Guwahati on a separate train for their safety and comfort.
Assam is home to one of the largest populations of wild Asiatic elephants in India, with an estimated 7,000 elephants residing within the state. Unfortunately, incidents such as these are not uncommon. Since the year 2020, there have been at least a dozen recorded fatalities of elephants due to collisions with speeding trains throughout Assam. This alarming trend raises concerns about the safety of wildlife and the need for better management of railway infrastructure in regions populated by elephants.
During this time of year, wild elephants frequently wander into human settlements, as they tend to search for food when rice fields are ready for harvesting. This behavior increases their exposure to potential dangers from train tracks and other human-related hazards. The current incident reinforces the urgency for governments and wildlife agencies to implement effective strategies to prevent such tragic accidents in the future. Enhanced warning systems and wildlife corridors might be necessary measures to protect both the elephants and the communities that share their habitats.
