India express train kills seven elephants

By The Inspirer.

Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing railway tracks in north-eastern India, local officials say.

According to BBC News, Another calf was injured in the incident early on Saturday in Hojai district, in the state of Assam.

The Northeast Frontier Railway said the train driver spotted dozens of elephants and applied the emergency brakes, but some of the animals were still struck.

Five carriages derailed following the collision. No injuries were reported among passengers or staff on the Delhi-bound express, though train cancellations and diversions were reported in the area throughout the day.

Veterinarians later examined the elephants, and the animals were buried.

Assam is home to one of India’s largest elephant populations, with nearly 6,000 animals recorded in the state.

Elephant herds frequently cross local railway tracks, but the Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday’s incident did not occur at a designated elephant corridor.