Keonjhar: At least three jumbos, including two calves were killed as a goods train hit a herd of pachyderms here, Thursday. One of the calves succumbed to injuries late Thursday night itself. The other calf and a full grown female elephant succumbed to their injuries Friday morning.
The incident took place on the Banspani-Jurudi railway tracks near Joda locality in this district, sources said.
They informed that a herd of 19 jumbos was crossing the railway tracks when the accident occurred.
“Nineteen elephants were passing through the Baitarani-(A) reserve forest. After moving ahead a few kilometers, the elephants were crossing the railway line when a freight train hit three of the pachyderms who sustained critical injuries,” an eyewitness stated.
On being informed, a team of forest personnel rushed to the spot to rescue the injured, but their efforts failed.