A tragic incident occurred early on Saturday in Assam, India, where a high-speed passenger train struck a herd of wild Asiatic elephants, resulting in the deaths of seven elephants and injuring a calf. The collision took place as the herd, consisting of approximately 100 elephants, was crossing the railway tracks. According to local authorities, the train driver attempted to stop the train by activating the emergency brakes, but the train was unable to avoid the herd entirely.
The collision involved the Rajdhani Express, which was traveling from Sairang in Mizoram towards New Delhi, carrying around 650 passengers. Following the impact, five train coaches and the engine derailed, though no human casualties were reported. Indian Railways spokesperson Kapinjal Kishore Sharma confirmed that the unaffected coaches were detached, allowing the train to continue its journey to New Delhi. Passengers from the derailed coaches were transferred to an alternate train bound for Guwahati.
Details of the Incident and Aftermath
The accident site is located in a forested area about 78 miles southeast of Guwahati. This region is known to be frequented by elephants; however, Indian Railways noted that the specific location of the collision was not designated as an elephant corridor. Trains passing through the country’s 150 wildlife corridors are mandated to reduce their speeds to mitigate the risk of such collisions.
The alarming frequency of train-related elephant deaths in Assam is concerning. Since 2020, at least a dozen elephants have lost their lives due to speeding trains. Government statistics indicate that an average of 20 elephants die in train accidents each year, often when they cross railway lines that intersect their natural habitats.
Efforts to Protect Elephants and Future Measures
In response to the growing issue of elephant fatalities, India has recently established an elephant hospital in Mathura aimed at providing care for injured animals. Additionally, the southern state of Tamil Nadu has implemented an artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled surveillance system designed to prevent elephant deaths on railway lines.
This time of year, wild elephants frequently wander into human settlements as they seek food in rice fields that are ready for harvesting. The ongoing conflict between wildlife and human activities poses significant challenges for conservation efforts and highlights the urgent need for measures that ensure both human safety and the protection of wildlife.
As the investigation into this incident continues, the hope remains that improved safety protocols and increased awareness will help reduce future tragedies involving these majestic creatures.
