Injured elephant ‘Sundarmala’ dies after being hit by train in Sylhet

The elephant ‘Sundarmala’, which was critically injured after being struck by a train while travelling to attend a wedding in Sylhet, has died.

Sylhet divisional forest officer Mohammad Abdur Rahman confirmed that the elephant died at around 12:30pm on Monday, January 19.

He said the elephant was handed over to its owner after being rescued from a ditch on Sunday. However, due to the severity of its injuries, it could not be moved and was treated at the site, where it eventually died.

Veterinary treatment was provided by teachers and students of Sylhet Agricultural University, along with officials from the Department of Livestock Services. Professor Dr Sultan Ahmed of the university’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology said the elephant suffered severe spinal injuries after being hit by the train and falling into the ditch. As a result, its lower body became paralysed and it was unable to stand.

Forest department officials and a teacher from Jahangirnagar University travelled from Dhaka to Sylhet to oversee treatment and monitor the elephant’s condition. Despite all efforts, the elephant could not be saved. Veterinarians said prolonged immobility caused abdominal swelling, further complicating its condition.

Local sources said the elephant fell into a ditch beside the Sylhet–Dhaka railway line around midnight on Saturday, January 18. It is believed the animal was injured after being hit by a train. After about 18 hours, it was rescued at around 3:00pm on Sunday from a ditch in the Alampur area of South Surma with the assistance of the fire service.

At the time of rescue, the elephant’s two hind legs were severely injured. Prolonged exposure to mud and water left it extremely weak, after which it was given primary treatment.

However, Sylhet railway station manager Nurul Islam said there was no confirmed evidence that the elephant was hit by a train. He noted that as both rail and road routes run through the area, the accident could also have involved a bus or truck.

Officials said the privately owned elephant belonged to Kamrul Islam of Kulaura upazila in Moulvibazar. The elephant had been hired to attend a wedding ceremony in Sylhet and was affectionately named ‘Sundarmala’. It ultimately died after sustaining fatal injuries in the accident.