Tragic Collision: Seven Elephants Die After Train Hits Herd in Assam

Sun Dec 21 2025 19:26:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A high-speed train incident in Hojai district, Assam, leads to the death of seven elephants, including calves, sparking concern about wildlife safety near railway lines.

In a distressing occurrence in Assam, India, a high-speed train collided with a herd of elephants crossing railway tracks, resulting in the death of seven elephants. Despite attempts by the train driver to brake upon sighting the animals, five train carriages derailed, although no passengers were injured. This incident has raised questions about the protection of wildlife in areas bordering railway lines, especially since the site was not designated as an elephant corridor.

Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed when a high-speed train collided with a herd crossing the tracks in north-eastern India, local officials say.

They say another calf was injured in the incident early on Saturday in Hojai district, Assam state.

The Northeast Frontier Railway reported that the train driver spotted dozens of elephants and utilized the emergency brakes, but despite this, some animals were still hit.

As a result of the collision, five carriages derailed; however, no injuries were reported among the passengers and staff on the Delhi-bound express. Train cancellations and diversions followed throughout the day.

The deceased elephants were later examined by veterinarians and buried.

Assam boasts one of the largest elephant populations in India, with nearly 6,000 recorded in the state.

Local railway tracks are frequently crossed by elephant herds, although the incident occurred in a location that was not classified as an elephant corridor, according to the Northeast Frontier Railway.

}