A female elephant died after being hit by a goods train near Jagannathpur village under Bamebari section of Champua range in Keonjhar district on Wednesday.
As per initial reports, the sub-adult female elephant was hit by the goods train while it was crossing the railway tracks. The incident occurred between Nayagarh to Jurudi railway station. The elephant was about 30 years old.
Senior officials of the forest department informed that though a caution order was in place, the accident could not be prevented. Dense fog might have led to less visibility. However, a detailed investigation is being conducted in connection with the incident.
The forest department has informed the Railway officials and a veterinary team is also reaching the spot.
Moreover, a Joint Task Force in the office of the PCCF Wildlife is monitoring the incident.