Elephant Hit by Train in Sundargarh: Rescue Fails, Wildlife Safety in Question

Sundargarh,  — A tragic collision between a freight train and a female elephant near Sagara railway station has sparked concern over wildlife safety along railway corridors.

The incident occurred between Sonakhan and Sagara stations under the Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway, at pole number 453/23 and 25 on the up line within Bamra block.

Forest and railway officials responded swiftly, launching a rescue operation to save the critically injured elephant. Using a crane, the animal was loaded onto a freight train and transported toward Sagara for medical attention.

However, the elephant succumbed to its injuries after travelling approximately 500 meters.

Officials from Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts, including DFO Vikramdev Pattnaik, ACF Alok Sadangi, Reshma Lakra, Ranger Deepak Mahananda, and teams from Sonakhan and Bamra ranges, coordinated with railway personnel during the rescue.

Train services were temporarily halted on both up and down lines, with traffic rerouted to the third line to minimise disruption. A post-mortem will be conducted at Sagara, followed by burial near the site.

The incident has reignited calls for improved wildlife protection measures near railway tracks, especially in elephant corridors.