Train runs over 2 elephants in city

Assam Tribune

August 10, 2007

AZARA, Aug 10 – In a tragic incident that would remind people of the knocking down of three wild elephants by a train three years back, two elephants including a four-year-old calf were run over by a goods train at around 2.30 am last night. On the Kamakhya-Jogighopa railway line at Deochatal under Rani reserve forest near the Deepor beel.

The Railway sources said that the unloaded goods train (14944-WDG-2) coming from New Guwahati station on way to New Bongaigaon knocked down two of a herd of wild elephants which were heading towards the Deepor beel through their corridor in the reserve forest in search of food. Two elephants were run over by the train while the herd tried to cross the railway track. The grown-up elephant was cut into pieces while the calf lied dead on the edge of the track.

Talking to the mediapersons, the driver of the train said that train was moving at the speed of about 45-50 km per hour. Top Railway and Forest officials rushed to the spot immediately and tried to clear the track.

It may be noted here that four wheels of the engine of the train derailed in the incident. The Railway sources also revealed that the trains scheduled to ply on the Kamakhya-Jogighopa line were diverted via Rangiya.

Some top Forest officials said that one alternative track and prevent such accidents.

Our Staff Reporter adds: Perturbed over the killing of two elephants by a goods train near Azara late last night, the Forest Department today accused the NF Railway authorities of paying scant regard to the safety norms that a train is supposed to maintain while passing near an elephant corridor.

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