Guwahati: An adult wild elephant lost its life after being rammed over by a speeding train on Monday in Assam’s Lakhimpur. According to officials of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the unfortunate incident occurred around 4:40 pm two days ago when the elephant was hit by the Rangiya-Murkongselek Passenger train near the Gogamukh.
The mishap left the elephant with grievous injuries, and despite efforts to provide medical assistance by forest officials, the animal succumbed to its injuries within a few hours.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, stating that a herd of elephants was crossing the railway track when the train crossed the area. The elephant in question was dragged for nearly a kilometer before the train came to a halt, a report on Hindustan Times quoted onlookers as saying.
Forest department officials swiftly responded to the scene, deploying a team of doctors to attend to the injured elephant. However, despite their best efforts, the elephant’s injuries proved fatal.
Sabyasachi De from the NFR highlighted that the area where the tragic incident occurred falls within a secured elephant corridor. However, the accident transpired before the designated restriction period commenced.
“According to regulations, the speed limit in the area begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 5:00 am. Unfortunately, the incident occurred around 4:40 pm,” De explained.
Following local customs and rituals, the elephant was laid to rest in a forest area in Lakhimpur, informed officials.
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