Himanta Biswa Sarma, chief minister of the state of Assam, wrote on X on Saturday the news of the deaths of three adult animals and four calves "deeply saddened" him.
Another calf from the herd was injured in the accident, which occurred during the night, according to reports by NDTV and other Indian media outlets.
According to the reports, the train driver applied the emergency brakes when he saw a herd of elephants on the tracks. However, some animals were hit by the train. The force of the impact caused the train to derail, but none of the passengers were injured.
The herd consisted of about 100 animals, which were trying to cross the tracks.
Sarma ordered an investigation into the "deeply disturbing accident". Steps should be taken to make Assam’s wildlife corridors safer, he said. — dpa
