Tragedy struck the Betnoti forest range in Odisha as a majestic 25-year-old tusker was fatally hit by a train at the Agria level crossing. Forest officials confirmed the unfortunate death on Sunday, November 2, 2025.
The somber incident unfolded late Saturday night, around 11:50 p.m. (November 1, 2025), near Jugal railway station, as the Shalimaar-Baripada Express passed through the area.
Authorities had been aware of a herd of elephants, originating from the renowned Simlipal National Park, foraging within the Betnoti forest range for several days prior to the accident.
Following the discovery, Baripada Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Gobind Chandra Nayak immediately visited the site on Sunday. He confirmed that the elephant’s remains have been sent for a thorough postmortem examination to ascertain further details.
An official investigation has been launched to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. As of now, railway authorities have not released any official statement regarding the collision.
Local residents have voiced concerns, suggesting that the elephant was unable to escape the tracks because the level crossing gate was closed to facilitate the train’s passage into the station. This raises critical questions about wildlife safety protocols in areas intersecting with railway lines.