A tragic train accident occurred in Assam early Friday when the New Delhi–Guwahati Rajdhani Express hit a herd of elephants. The collision killed eight elephants on the spot and derailed five coaches. The incident disrupted rail traffic on the busy route.
The accident took place around 2 a.m. near Jamunamukh, in the Sanaroja forest area. The elephants suddenly came onto the railway track from the forest. The loco pilot noticed the herd and applied emergency brakes immediately. However, the train was moving at high speed and could not stop in time.
The train struck the elephants with great force. As a result, the engine and five coaches derailed. Elephant remains scattered across the track, leaving the area in a shocking condition.
Passengers Escape Unhurt
The sudden impact jolted the train and caused panic among passengers. Many travelers woke up in fear, while some fell from their berths. Despite the strong impact, no passenger suffered serious injuries.
Railway officials shifted passengers from the derailed coaches to empty berths in other coaches. Authorities then safely sent the train to Guwahati after adding additional coaches.
Train Services Disrupted
The accident halted train movement on the route. The Railways cancelled several trains and diverted others via Lumding. Emergency teams rushed to the spot and started restoration work. Heavy cranes are clearing the derailed coaches to restore the track at the earliest.
Demand for Stronger Wildlife Protection
The railway line passes through an elephant corridor, where similar accidents occurred in the past. The Railways have started installing an AI-based elephant detection system called the Gajraj System. However, officials said the system is not fully operational in this area yet.
Wildlife activists have urged the Railways to act faster. They demanded stricter safety measures, better monitoring, and speed restrictions in forest zones. Conservationists stressed that stronger steps are essential to protect wildlife and prevent future tragedies.
