In the early hours of Saturday, a tragic incident occurred in Assam's Hojai district when the Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express collided with a herd of elephants. The collision, which took place around 2:17 am in the Jamunamukh-Kampur section under the Lumding division of the Northeast Frontier Railway, resulted in the death of seven elephants and left one injured. The injured calf is currently receiving treatment from local veterinary doctors.

The accident also caused the derailment of the train's engine and five coaches. Fortunately, no passengers were injured in the incident. According to officials, the train was carrying approximately 650 passengers. Passengers from the affected coaches were accommodated in other compartments, and the train later resumed its journey towards Guwahati, where additional coaches were planned to be added before continuing to Delhi.

Authorities said that the area where the accident occurred is not a designated elephant corridor. Initial reports suggest heavy fog in the area may have contributed to the accident. The train's loco pilot applied emergency brakes upon noticing the herd on the tracks, but the heavy fog and the train's momentum made it impossible to stop in time.

Following the incident, emergency response teams from the railway and forest departments were dispatched to the site. Forest officials are currently conducting autopsies on the deceased elephants, and cremation will be done near the accident site following legal formalities. Meanwhile, scheduled trains are being diverted along the UP line as restoration works are underway. Helpline numbers have been activated at Guwahati railway station: 0361-2731621 / 2731622 / 2731623.

The incident has raised concerns about railway safety in areas with significant wildlife presence. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi expressed his condolences over the death of the elephants. This incident underscores the need for better coordination between concerned departments and the railways to prevent such tragedies in the future.