Train mows down 3 elephants near Buxa Tiger Reserve

A freight train bound for Siliguri from Alipurduar junction hit the elephants around 7 am while passing through Rajabhat Khawa, a known corridor of wild animals.

The freight train was passing through Rajabhat Khawa, a known corridor of wild animals. (Representational/File)

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Three elephants were mowed down by a train in the Rajabhat Khawa area near Buxa Tiger Reserve in north Bengal’s Alipurduar district on Monday morning.

A freight train, bound for Siliguri from Alipurduar junction, was crossing the Rajabhat Khawa area — a known corridor for wild animals – when it hit a herd of elephants around 7 am. Three elephants, including a calf, were killed by the impact of the train. Officials said the train was moving at a high speed.

Senior officials from the Railways and state Forest Department reached the spot and train services, which was suspended following the incident, resumed around 10.30 am.

“The train was passing a forest area when it met with the accident. The area is a corridor for wild animals. Three elephants were killed in the accident. We are trying to ascertain the speed of the train at the time of the accident. The driver of the train is being questioned,” a senior official of Alipurduar district administration said.

The official said that medical examinations of the driver and assistant driver of the train have been completed.

In August this year, a pregnant elephant was killed after being knocked down by a speeding goods train in the Chapramari Sanctuary in Jalpaiguri district in north Bengal.

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