Seven wild Asian elephants, including calves, were killed after a speeding passenger train struck a herd as it crossed railway tracks in north eastern India, officials said.
The collision occurred early Saturday in Hojai district of Assam, where another calf was also injured in the incident.
According to the Northeast Frontier Railway, the train driver noticed dozens of elephants on the tracks and applied emergency brakes, but several animals were still struck by the Delhi bound express.
Five coaches derailed following the impact, though railway authorities said no passengers or crew members were hurt. The accident led to multiple train cancellations and diversions in the area throughout the day.
Veterinary teams later examined the dead elephants, which were subsequently buried, officials said.
Assam is home to one of India’s largest elephant populations, with nearly 6,000 animals recorded across the state.
Elephant herds frequently cross railway lines in the region. However, the Northeast Frontier Railway said Saturday’s accident did not occur at a designated elephant corridor.