Daijiworld Media Network – Guwahati

Guwahati, Dec? 20: Early this morning, the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants in Hojai district, Assam, resulting in the death of eight elephants and the derailment of five coaches. The incident occurred at around 2:17 am in the Changjurai area, approximately 126 km from Guwahati. Thankfully, no passengers were injured.

According to regional forest officer Suhash Kadam, the train accident disrupted rail services in the Jamunamukh–Kampur section. Trains scheduled to pass through the section are being diverted via the UP line, while restoration work is underway. Kadam, along with other forest officials, rushed to the site to assess the situation.

The Rajdhani Express, connecting Sairang in Mizoram to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, resumed its journey after affected coaches were detached. Passengers from the derailed coaches were temporarily accommodated in vacant berths in other coaches. Once the train reached Guwahati, additional coaches were added to ensure all passengers could continue their journey.

N.F. Railway confirmed that the accident occurred at a location not designated as an elephant corridor. The loco pilot applied emergency brakes upon spotting the herd, but the elephants were struck by the train, causing the derailment.

This incident highlights the ongoing risks to wildlife along railway tracks in Assam and other northeastern regions, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures.