Elephant fatally struck by train near Jamshedpur, engine damaged

Mail News Service

Chandil, May 9: An elephant was fatally hit by the Kriyayoga Express, traveling from Howrah to Hatia, at 4 am on Thursday, between Bakarkudi and Letemda stations. The train’s engine too was damaged in the collision.

Reports suggest that the elephant was crossing the railway line near the Ichadih old railway gate between Bakarkudi and Letemda stations when the accident occurred. Despite efforts to avoid the collision, the elephant succumbed to the impact, dying on the spot.

Railway and Forest Department officials arrived at the scene to begin the process of removing the elephant’s carcass. Nearby villagers gathered, and the railway track was temporarily obstructed. Villagers performed rituals for the deceased elephant before its funeral.

According to Muri station officials, the train was running at high speed, resulting in significant damage to the engine and infrastructure. The impact of the collision was forceful, resulting in the elephant’s trunk being severed and multiple parts of the engine being damaged.

The damaged engine was taken to Muri station, where a replacement engine was attached to the train, allowing it to proceed to Hatia. Train operations were disrupted until around seven in the morning but resumed normalcy thereafter.