April 12, 2007
SILIGURI, April 11: A bull elephant was killed in a hit-by-a-train accident near the Atiabari Tea Estate level crossing in the Buxa Tiger Reserve (West division) early this morning.
It was the seventh pachyderm to die in similar circumstances ever since the stretch between Siliguri and Alipurdar underwent gauge conversion four years ago.
According to the BTR field director Mr LG Lepcha, the collision occurred around 4.40 am. “Stuck to the train’s undercarriage, the elephant was dragged about 50 metres down the track indicating the speed at which the train was traveling,” the forest official said.
It could be significant since the Calcutta High Court in 2002 earmarked four spots along the 200 Kms stretch between Siliguri and Alipurduar where trains are supposed to move at reduced speed so that wild life did not come to harm.
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