Tragic Collision: Seven Elephants Killed by Express Train in Assam, India

Fri Jan 09 2026 22:28:53 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A high-speed train tragedy in Assam results in the deaths of seven wild elephants. Local officials highlight the need for better wildlife protection measures as the railway continues to face challenges in managing wildlife crossings.

In a heartbreaking incident, seven wild Asian elephants were fatally struck by a high-speed express train in Hojai district, Assam. Despite emergency braking efforts by the train driver upon sighting a herd, fatalities ensued. The incident, occurring outside designated elephant corridors, has reignited concerns about the safety of wildlife in railway regions, where such accidents have become increasingly common. Local railway authorities note the high elephant population in Assam and the frequent overlap of wildlife with railway lines.

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 report.

The tragic incident occurred early on Saturday in Hojai district, Assam state, where another calf was injured. The train driver noticed the elephants and activated the emergency brakes, but unfortunately, some animals were still struck.

Following the collision, five carriages of the train derailed, though no injuries were reported among the passengers and staff aboard the Delhi-bound express train. The aftermath saw train cancellations and diversions in the area throughout the day.

Veterinarians later examined the deceased elephants before they were buried. Assam is home to one of India's largest elephant populations, with nearly 6,000 elephants recorded within the state.

Railway authorities emphasize that elephant herds frequently cross local tracks; however, this incident took place at a location that was not designated as an elephant corridor. This unfortunate event brings to light the ongoing issue of wildlife safety, as railway lines continue to intersect with natural animal pathways.