Seven Elephants Killed as Rajdhani Express Derails in Assam, Leaving Forest and People in Shock

Nagaon/Guwahati, December 20: The forest fell silent before dawn in Assam’s Hojai district on Saturday — broken only by the sound of twisted metal and the cries of a shattered elephant herd. At least seven elephants were killed and one was left badly injured after the Sairang–New Delhi Rajdhani Express ploughed into the animals as they crossed a railway track, turning a routine train journey into a scene of tragedy.The collision, which occurred in the early hours, was so severe that the engine and five coaches of the Rajdhani Express derailed. Passengers were jolted awake by a violent impact, many unsure of what had happened as the train screeched to a halt in the darkness. While no passenger fatalities were reported, fear and confusion gripped those on board as they stepped out to witness the devastating aftermath.Forest officials said a herd of elephants was moving across the track, a path they have followed for generations through the forested stretch of Hojai. The high-speed train, unable to stop in time, struck the animals. Initial reports suggested that all eight elephants involved were killed, but officials later confirmed that one elephant survived with injuries and is being treated by veterinarians at the site. For the forest department staff who arrived soon after, the sight was harrowing — lifeless bodies of elephants scattered near the tracks, members of the herd refusing to leave, and an injured elephant struggling to move. “It is an extremely painful scene,” a forest official said, adding that efforts are underway to care for the injured animal and prevent further distress to the herd. Railway authorities and disaster response teams worked through the morning to clear the derailed coaches and restore traffic on the busy route. Passengers were safely evacuated, and alternative arrangements were made for their onward journey. The tragedy has once again exposed the fragile coexistence between wildlife and development in Assam. Elephant corridors frequently intersect railway lines, especially in central Assam, making such accidents a recurring nightmare. Conservationists have renewed calls for stricter speed limits, better night-time monitoring, and advanced warning systems in elephant-prone areas. As Assam mourns the loss of seven gentle giants, the incident stands as a stark reminder that without urgent intervention, such collisions will continue — leaving forests grieving and humans grappling with preventable loss.