A wild elephant, that was critically injured after being hit by a speeding train on the railway line in the Chunati Reserve Forest area of Lohagara, Chattagram, died on Tuesday evening while being under treatment. The elephant suffered severe injuries on its hind legs, spine and head.
The elephant was receiving treatment at the veterinary hospital in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Safari Park at Dulahazara union in Chakaria upazila of Cox's Bazar.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Chattorgam Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division, Md Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury, confirmed the matter.
He said the seriously injured elephant was rescued with the help of a crane at around 9:00 am on Tuesday and was taken to the veterinary hospital in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Safari Park at Dulahazara union in Cox's Bazar by a relief train. A medical board of 5 members was formed headed by Dr Bibek Chandra Sutradhar, Head of Medicine and Surgery Department of Chattagram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.
However, despite the efforts of the wildlife management and nature conservation department, the seriously injured elephant could not be saved, said Dr Bibek Chandra Sutradhar.
Meanwhile, Mazaharul Islam, in-charge of Safari Park, said the rear leg of the elephant was seriously injured by the train. At the same time different parts of the body sustained injuries. It raised health concerns.
Amir Hossain Chowdhury, Chief Conservator of Forests, said the elephant died while undergoing treatment at the Safari Park's veterinary hospital. A railway line was installed in Cox's Bazar on the path that elephants use. A few proposals will be given to the railway authorities by the forest department to prevent the death of elephants.
He also said that apart from being hit by trains, elephants also die in man-made electrical wire trap. Last August, an elephant was electrocuted in Teknaf.
Officials of the safari park said that the dead elephant will be buried after the autopsy.
