SEVEN ELEPHANTS DIED and another was injured in west Bengal, India, after being struck by a high-speed train last night.
The Times of India reports that five were killed instantly, and two died later of their injuries.
A herd of elephants was crossing the track when two baby elephants became trapped in the tracks. Other elephants tried to release them, when the group was struck by a goods train.
The track was closed last night as other elephants were guarding the dead animals.
An elephant was killed by a train in the same area three months ago, says the TOI. Rail workers have asked for train speeds to be reduced along that stretch as it is well known as an ‘elephant corridor’.
