Elephant Killed by Speeding Train in India

A speeding train crushes an elephant in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, in a known "elephant corridor".

A speeding train crushed an elephant in India's eastern West Bengal state on Tuesday morning, ramming into the elephant as it tried to cross the rail tracks in the forested Jalpaiguri area.

Forest officials said the incident occurred in the early hours of morning as the speeding Samprakanti Express which runs between Guwahati and Delhi, failed to halt in time for the elephant to cross the open tracks.

Forest Department Official, R.P. Shaini said the impact of the accident was so severe that the elephant died on the spot

[R.P. Shaini, Forest Department Official]:
"The incident occurred at around 7.35 in the morning near 163/3 pillar by Samparkranti Express, which travels between Guwahati and Delhi. The train was in high speed and the elephant ran into it and died."

An investigation has been ordered because this is the sixth time an elephant has been killed by trains speeding through a known elephant corridor close to the Gorumura National Wildlife park.

India has over 50 per cent of Asiatic elephants, considered to be a cultural icon and worshipped as Lord Ganesha.

Unfortunately, the numbers of elephants are dwindling due to the human elephant conflict.

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