Speeding train kills three elephants in Coimbatore

Palakkad (Tamil Nadu), Feb 4 : Three elephants, including a pregnant mammal, were hit and killed by a speeding passenger train passing through Pakkalad railway track in Coimbatore today.

According to officials, the elephants might have come hunting for a safe refuge for the pregnant elephant.

"We found one adult, about 30 years and a half gown adult about eight-years-old, and a full-term pregnant female, who met with an accident with the passenger train," said Manoharan, Forest Veterinary Officer.

Due to the accident, engine of the train and two carriages got derailed, though no one has been injured.

Such incidents have earlier taken place in Assam's elephant-bathing zone.

Many elephants and wild animals have been hit by trains along this particular stretch of railway track, which passes through lush forest area.

India has over 50 per cent of Asiatic elephants but its population has been dwindling due to frequent poaching.

ANI