Guwahati, Assam — In a tragic early-morning incident on Saturday, the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of wild elephants in Hojai district, resulting in the deaths of eight elephants and injuries to one, officials confirmed.
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The collision occurred around 2.17 a.m. at the Changjurai area along the Jamunamukh–Kampur railway section, a route known for wildlife crossings. The impact also caused the derailment of five coaches and the train’s engine.
Despite the severity of the crash, no passengers were reported injured, according to a spokesperson from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). Trains scheduled through the affected section have been diverted via alternate lines, and restoration efforts are underway.
Forest officials, led by Nagaon Divisional Forest Officer Suhash Kadam, reached the site promptly to begin investigations and coordinate with railway authorities. Wildlife experts say such collisions highlight the ongoing challenge of train-elephant conflicts in regions where rail lines intersect traditional animal corridors.
Authorities are reviewing potential safety measures to prevent future incidents as they work to balance transportation needs with wildlife conservation.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
