Quick actions by forest staff, train crew prevent major accident involving elephants in northeastern India
by Aditi VermaAlert forest staff from the Lanka Range and quick-thinking loco pilots successfully averted a potential disaster when they spotted elephants on the tracks in northeastern India’s Assam.
The incident took place near post 167/1 on the Hawaipur-Lamsakhang stretch in the Nagaon South Division on October 24.
Visuals showed a group of elephants spotted on the railway tracks as a train approached. Quick-thinking loco pilots halted the train just in time. With the help of the forest team, they safely guided the elephants away from danger, ensuring the animals’ protection and preventing a potential disaster on the tracks.
In a remarkable display of vigilance and teamwork, the Lanka Range forest staff of the Nagaon South Division, including Abdul Mazid, Bipin Saikia, Bishnu Kishan, Ramesh Chouhan, Ganga Sagar Chouhan, Manikanta Nath, Subhas Rajbhar, and Laldhar Chouhan, acted swiftly to alert the loco pilots of an imminent danger on the railway tracks.
The train number UP IOMB IODT, which was hauling High-Speed Diesel (HSD), was manned by Loco Pilot Sanjay Kumar and Assistant Loco Pilot M. Chakraborty. Upon receiving the alert, they immediately initiated emergency protocols to stop the train, successfully avoiding what could have been a catastrophic collision with the elephants.
The incident underscores the importance of collaboration between wildlife officials and railway personnel in protecting both human and animal lives. Authorities are commending the forest staff and train crew for their decisive actions that not only prevented a potential tragedy but also showcased their commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.