**Train Accident in Assam: Rajdhani Express Collides with Elephants**
A tragic train accident occurred in Assam’s Hojai district early Saturday morning when the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants. The incident, which took place around 2:15 AM, resulted in the death of eight elephants and left one injured. Additionally, five coaches of the train derailed, although no human casualties have been reported.
The accident happened in the Lumding Division of the Northeast Frontier Railway, specifically in the Jamunamukh-Kampur section. According to a statement from the Northeast Frontier Railway, the loco pilot applied the emergency brakes upon spotting the elephants, but the animals were unable to avoid the train, leading to the unfortunate outcome.
In response to the incident, senior railway officials, including the General Manager of NF Railway and the Divisional Railway Manager of Lumding, quickly arrived at the scene. They oversaw the temporary accommodation of affected passengers in available berths in other coaches. After a brief delay, the train resumed its journey to Guwahati around 6:15 AM.
Railway officials indicated that additional coaches would be added once the train reached Guwahati to ensure all passengers are accommodated. The accident has also disrupted railway traffic in the Jamunamukh-Kampur section, prompting the diversion of several scheduled trains along the UP line.
Forest officials from the Nagaon Division, including Subhash Kadam, have initiated restoration efforts following the accident. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express serves as a vital connection between Mizoram’s Sairang, near Aizawl, and Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi.
In summary, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of wildlife encounters with railway operations, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures to protect both human and animal lives.
**FAQ**
**What happened in the train accident in Assam?**
The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants, resulting in the death of eight elephants and the derailment of five train coaches, but no human casualties were reported.
