Keonjhar: Adding to the growing number of jumbo deaths in the state, another female elephant was killed after being hit by a speeding train near Ramachandrapur under Sadar forest range of Keonjhar district last night.
The mishap took place at around 9.45 pm last night while a herd of wild jumbo was crossing the railway track and a freight carrier coming from Joda direction hit it and dragged the female elephant for about 70-100 metres under its wheels.
Tension gripped the area following the incident and the forest officials engaged on driving away of the elephants immediately called up the Range Officer and the train was intercepted. The driver of the freight carrier was also detained for questioning.
Forest authorities have claimed that the railway officials had been informed on the presence of the elephant herd near the track but the driver failed to take any precaution.
Meanwhile, a probe has been launched into the incident and a case against the driver has been lodged.
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