PASCHIM MIDNAPORE: In a deeply distressing incident, three elephants, including two calves, were killed after being hit by a speeding Janshatabdi Express in West Bengal’s Paschim Midnapore district. The tragic accident occurred near Banstala railway station on the Kharagpur–Tatanagar rail line as a herd of around 30 elephants was crossing the track late Thursday night.
Forest officials confirmed that this herd likely came from Jharkhand’s Dalma Forest and was using a known elephant corridor. Despite receiving a prior alert about the elephant movement three hours before the accident, the train reportedly did not slow down in time. The collision left the carcasses scattered across the area, and officials suspect at least one of the elephants may have been struck again by a second train.
Due to the size and presence of the remaining herd nearby, it took hours before authorities could safely approach the site. According to wildlife officials, this corridor is frequently used by migrating elephant herds and is under constant monitoring by forest and railway teams. However, despite established coordination protocols, the tragedy could not be averted this time.
Senior forest officials have visited the location and confirmed that an investigation is underway. They have promised to take all necessary steps to prevent such accidents in future. The forest department is now focusing on enhancing coordination with the railway department and engaging local communities who are familiar with elephant movement patterns in the region.
There are also fresh calls to increase the number of elephant sanctuaries in the state, following the example of the Barjora sanctuary in Bankura. Wildlife experts believe that expanding safe habitats will help prevent elephants from wandering into danger zones, including active railway tracks.
(This article is published under a mutual content partnership arrangement between The Brew News and The Free Press Journal)
