SunstarTV Bureau: Puri-Surat Express train disrupted after hitting an elephant between Hatibari and Maneswar railway stations in Odisha’s Sambalpur district at 2.04 am last night while the pachyderm died on the spot.
According to officers, all wheels of front trolley’s engine derailed due to the collapse. The tusker lost its last breath after entangling with the engine.
No other loss of life has been reported so far. All the passengers and loco pilots are reportedly safe.
The train had departed from Hatibari at 1.55 am with a speed of 50 kmph as elephant caution was imposed in the route.
Odisha: Puri-Surat Express Train derailed after hitting an elephant between Hatibari and Maneswar railway stations of Sambalpur division at 2.04 am today, says East Coast Railway pic.twitter.com/wsa62UjubI
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2020
A relief train reached the spot right after the mishap for restoration work. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Sambalpur and other senior officials reached the spot to supervise the operation.
Later, all coaches of the train were pulled backed to Hatibari station with a new engine. The train resumed its journey this morning.
Meanwhile, Forest Department officials also reached the spot and initiated an investigation.
