Fatal Train Collision Claims Elephant's Life in West Bengal: Calf Injured as Herd Attempts to Cross Tracks

A tragic incident occurred around 3:45 am on Sunday when a train collided with elephants crossing railway tracks in Dhupguri, located in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district. An adult elephant was killed instantly, while a calf sustained injuries and was found lying beside the tracks. Local authorities have initiated rescue operations for the injured young elephant.

This collision marks the first recorded death of a wild elephant in a train accident in the Dhupguri area in recent history. The accident happened near railway pillar 73/7, where it is believed that a herd of elephants was attempting to cross the tracks when they were struck by an oncoming train.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, forest department officials promptly rushed to the location. Railway Traffic Inspector Suvendu Roy stated that they were notified about the collision at approximately 4:30 am. He further explained that the area where the accident took place is not designated as an elephant corridor, meaning there are no speed restrictions imposed on trains passing through this section of track.

Local resident Subarata Sharma, who visited the scene after the accident, shared information gathered from eyewitnesses. According to these accounts, approximately five elephants were attempting to cross the railway track when the collision occurred. While one elephant died immediately and another was injured, the remaining members of the herd managed to escape from the area.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident as they work to assist the injured calf.