New Delhi, Dec 20 || At least seven elephants were killed and one calf injured after a herd collided with the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express in Assam's Hojai on Saturday morning, leading to the disruption of rail services.
According to officials, the accident took place around 2:17 a.m. when the New Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants that was crossing the railway tracks. Forest department authorities later confirmed that seven elephants were killed in the collision, while one calf was rescued in an injured condition and provided medical attention.
Additionally, a few coaches of the train were derailed. No passengers or railway staff sustained injuries in the incident.
The Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express connects Sairang, near Aizawl in Mizoram, with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi. The accident site is located approximately 126 kilometres from Guwahati. Following the collision, railway officials and accident relief teams were immediately dispatched to the spot to manage rescue operations and assess the damage.