India express train kills seven elephants crossing tracks

Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in northeastern India, local officials said.

It was stated that another calf was injured in the incident that took place in Hojai district of Assam state in the early hours of Saturday.

The North East Frontier Railway said the train driver spotted dozens of elephants and used the emergency brake, but some of the animals were still hit.

Five coaches derailed following the collision, but no injuries were reported among passengers and staff on the Delhi-bound express. It was reported that there were train cancellations and transfers in the region during the day.

The killed elephants were later examined by veterinarians and buried.

Assam has one of the largest elephant populations in India, with around 6,000 animals recorded in the state.

Local railway tracks are frequently crossed by herds of elephants; However, the North East Frontier Railway says Saturday’s incident occurred in a location that is not designated as an elephant corridor.