An elephant calf died and another was injured after being hit by a goods train in the Bisra Range of Rourkela forest division on Monday night.

The accident occurred when a herd of elephants crossed the railway line around 9.30pm on Monday.

Forest official sources said the herd was heading towards Pokharabahal from the Kudurbahal forest area when the mishap occurred.

Following the accident, the herd, including its mother, remained stranded there for a long time. After forest officials reached the spot, the herd moved into the forest area. Subsequently, the officials began their investigation.

Divisional forest officer (DFO), Rourkela, Yaswant Sethi, told The Telegraph: “We have launched a probe into the accident. Besides, we have taken up the issue with the railway authorities. A caution order has already been issued.”

He added: “The probe will ascertain whether or not the train driver followed the required precautions while crossing the forest area. We have asked the railways not to allow the trains to ply on
that route.”

According to the caution order, the speed of a train passing through a forest division should move at a slower speed due to the presence of elephants in the region.

The speed limit should be 30 km per hour, and the train should blow a long whistle while the railway authorities should maintain a sharp lookout for animals along the route.