A tusker was killed after being hit by a train near Jogal Railway Station near Betanoti in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district late on Saturday night. The incident occurred at around 11.30 pm when the elephant climbed onto the railway track. The tragic incident has raised concerns among locals over the safety of wildlife moving near railway lines in the region.

According to reports, the tusker elephant had entered the track between two railway gates located before Jogal Railway Station. Locals present at the site attempted to drive the pachyderm away but were unsuccessful as the railway gates were closed, preventing the elephant from leaving the track.

Moments later, a speeding train approached and hit the tusker directly, resulting in its death on the spot. The train was halted for a brief period following the collision.

Locals Describe The Incident

A local resident recounted, “The train was passing on Saturday night when the tusker was crossing the track. Unfortunately, it was struck by the train.”

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Another villager said, “We tried contacting Forest Department officials, but no one answered our calls. We also requested the gateman at the crossing to lift the other gate so that the elephant could cross, but he did not respond.”