Rajdhani Express Collides With Elephant Herd, Eight Elephants Killed, Engine And Five Coaches Derailed

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A tragic accident occurred early Saturday in Assam’s Hojai district when the Sealdah–New Delhi Rajdhani Express of the Northeast Frontier Railway collided with a herd of wild elephants. Eight elephants died on the spot, while one elephant was reported to be seriously injured.

The impact was severe, causing the train’s engine and five coaches to derail. The accident took place around 2:17 am near the Changjurai area on the Jamunamukh–Kampur section. Fortunately, all passengers onboard the train were safe and no injuries were reported among them.

Nagaon Divisional Forest Officer Suhas Kadam said forest department teams rushed to the site immediately and are closely monitoring the situation. According to local residents, the herd suddenly came onto the railway track, leading to the collision.

Railway officials stated that the loco pilot tried to apply emergency brakes after spotting the elephants, but due to the high speed of the train, the collision could not be avoided, resulting in derailment. Officials also clarified that the accident site is not a designated elephant corridor.

Following the incident, several trains on this route have been diverted through the up line. Restoration work has begun on a war footing, and accident relief trains have reached the site. Rail services in upper Assam and other parts of the Northeast remain affected as elephant carcasses are still scattered near the tracks.