Run over by train, four elephants including a calf, die
In Odisha's Jharsuguda district, four elephants including a calf died after being hit by Bokaro-Allepy Express, between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM on Monday. Railway officials believe the incident happened when the herd of elephants was crossing the railway line near Telidihi village. Due to carcasses of animals lying, train movements along Howrah-Mumbai downline were affected for four hours.
Divisional Forest Officer, Sushant Kumar, said although there was no elephant movement for the past three-four months, they asked railway authorities to reduce train speed in the area. "They were also requested to follow guidelines including making continuous hooting along the stretch," he added. The speeding rammed into two female elephants, a male one and a calf, killing them on spot.
Environmentalist Biswajit Mohanty alleged the forest officials were not serious in identifying areas where elephants roam, that is frequented by speeding trains. Calling the deaths a tragic incident, Mohanty said railway and forest officials should work together to come up with a solution. Reportedly, 15 elephants have died since 2011 due to speeding trains in Odisha.
