Elephants fall victim on the rails yet again, 3 killed

Close on the heels of a tragedy in Odisha, three elephants were killed and two including a calf were critically injured, hit by the Jhajhar Express in West Bengal’s Alipurduar area on Saturday evening.

R.P. Saini, Field Director, Buxa Tiger Reserve, said the accident occurred near Rajabhatkhaoa at about 6.45 p.m.

Speed violation

S.B. Mandal, Chief Wild Life Warden, said thick fog reduced visibility but the train, running between Guwahati and Ranchi, had violated the stipulated speed limit of 50 kmph set for the elephant corridor.

Railway Minister of State Adhir Roy Chowdhury said if that charge was proved, action would be taken against the railway personnel.

Mr. Mandal said a team of veterinary doctors was treating the injured elephants at the accident spot

Seven elephants were killed in a similar incident in September, 2010 in the same region.