Jumbo run over, rail traffic hit

TT, Sanctuary near here this evening, disrupting traffic on the Siliguri Junction-Alipurduar route.

According to railway sources, a couple of wheels in the front of the 75716Dn Dinhata-Siliguri Junction DEMU jumped the tracks when the train hit the adult elephant around 7.10pm.

The incident occurred in a zone where trains are supposed to move slowly to avoid collisions with wild animals.

"The loco pilot (driver) and the guard have informed us about the incident. The front wheel of Driving Power Car (the driving units of DEMU in the front and rear), have derailed. We are sending a relief train to restore railway traffic," said an official of the Northeast Frontier Railway based at New Jalpaiguri.

The accident occurred around 15km from here, between Gulma and Sevoke stations.

The Kanchankanya Express bound for Sealdah from Alipurduar, is left stranded at New Mal Junction station. The Dhubri-Siliguri Junction Intercity bound for Siliguri and some other trains are also held up at different stations in the Dooars.

The forest officers are yet to reach the spot.