Wildlife / Odisha Shocker: Train Kills Tusker in Rayagada, Calf Found Dead in Mayurbhanj

Bhubaneswar, Sep 10: Odisha witnessed a tragic morning on Thursday with the deaths of two elephants in separate incidents, raising fresh concerns over wildlife safety in the state.

In Rayagada district, a tusker was killed after being hit by a train engine near Brundabadi village under the Muniguda forest range. The accident occurred late Wednesday night between Chatikona and Therubali stations when the elephant attempted to cross the railway track.

The impact was fatal, and train movement along the line was disrupted. Forest officials rushed to the site and began an investigation.

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According to the department, the tusker had been roaming in the Kalyansinghpur range for several days before moving into Muniguda. Preliminary inquiries are underway to determine the train’s speed at the time of the collision.

Locals reported that four elephant herds are currently active in the area, prompting calls to regulate train movement to prevent further accidents.

A special team from Sambalpur is expected to join the rescue and investigation efforts. Veterinary officials will conduct a post‑mortem before the carcass is buried as per protocol.

Meanwhile, in Mayurbhanj district’s Karanjia forest division, the carcass of a young elephant was discovered in the Dudiani forest near Hatiemundi Kaju jungle.

The calf was reportedly part of a herd that had migrated from Similipal. The cause of death remains unclear, and forest staff have launched an inquiry.