A tragic incident occurred in Assam, India, where a high-speed passenger train collided with a herd of elephants, resulting in the deaths of seven wild Asiatic elephants. The accident took place early on December 16, 2023, when the Rajdhani Express, traveling from Sairang in Mizoram to New Delhi, struck the elephants while they were crossing the railway tracks.
According to local authorities, the train driver noticed the herd of approximately 100 elephants and activated the emergency brakes. Despite these efforts, the train was unable to stop in time, leading to the collision. Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, a spokesperson for Indian Railways, confirmed that five train coaches and the engine derailed as a result of the impact. Fortunately, there were no human casualties reported, as the train was carrying around 650 passengers at the time.
The accident happened in a forested region located about 125 kilometers (approximately 78 miles) southeast of Assam’s capital, Guwahati. Following the incident, veterinarians conducted autopsies on the deceased elephants. The bodies are set to be buried later today. While railway tracks in Assam are known to be frequented by elephants, the site of the accident was not designated as an elephant corridor, as noted by Indian Railways.
Impact and Response
In response to the situation, Indian Railways took immediate action. The unaffected coaches were delinked from the derailed section, and the train continued its journey to New Delhi. Approximately 200 passengers from the derailed coaches were transferred to another train heading to Guwahati.
This incident highlights a concerning trend in Assam, which is home to one of the largest populations of wild Asiatic elephants in India, estimated at around 7,000 elephants. Collisions between speeding trains and elephants have become increasingly common in the region. Since 2020, at least a dozen elephants have lost their lives in similar accidents.
Wild elephants often venture into agricultural areas during this time of year, particularly when rice fields are ready for harvesting. Local communities frequently encounter these majestic animals, leading to increased risks of train collisions.
As authorities continue to address this issue, the need for effective measures to protect both wildlife and human safety remains urgent. The devastating loss of these elephants serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in balancing development with wildlife conservation in India.
