An elephant was mown down by a speeding train in Dhanbad on Thursday night, after which the herd of about tow dozen blocked the tracks for more than two hours.
"Rammed by the Duronto Express (12259) Sealdah-New Delhi, one elephant died on the spot, while two were reportedly injured," said a forest official. The accident occurred between Gomoh and Mahtari stations near Ramakunda village at 10.30 pm. Villagers had to drive away the elephants with fire. Some portions of the line as well as overhead wire were damaged.
Several trains, including the Howrah-Delhi Kalka Mail, Howrah-Chambal Express, Ganga-Damoder Express, Jodhpur-Howrah Express, were at a standstill.