In a tragic incident near Sagra village under the Lathi police station area of Jaisalmer district, three camels — the state animal of Rajasthan — were killed after being hit by the Jaisalmer–Jodhpur passenger train on Friday night while crossing the railway track.
Details of the Accident
During the accident, one camel became severely trapped beneath a train coach, leading to major difficulties in clearing the track. The train remained halted on the route for nearly 25 minutes, causing inconvenience to passengers. The train was allowed to proceed only after the animal remains were removed from beneath the coach.
According to available information, the passenger train travelling from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer had departed from Lathi railway station and was heading towards Jaisalmer when a herd of camels crossing the railway track near Sagra village came under the train. Three camels died on the spot in the tragic accident.
Response and Aftermath
The incident created panic and concern in the surrounding area. Local residents Hukam Singh Rathore, Girdhar Singh and Hari Singh Rathore, along with railway officials and staff members, reached the spot soon after receiving information about the accident. After considerable effort, the dead camel trapped beneath the coach was removed and the train was cleared for onward movement. The train resumed its journey towards Jaisalmer after a delay of around 25 minutes.
Recurring Issue in the Region
It is noteworthy that the Lathi region is surrounded by forest land on both sides of the railway track. The desert areas of the border district are home to a large camel population, and stray camels often wander onto railway tracks, resulting in such accidents. Despite repeated incidents, locals allege that neither the railway authorities nor the administration have made adequate arrangements for the safety of wildlife and animals in the area.
This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between wildlife and railway infrastructure in the region. Camels, being an integral part of the local ecosystem and culture, face constant threats from train movements. The lack of proper fencing, animal crossings, or warning systems has been a persistent concern for residents and animal rights activists. They demand immediate action to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety of both animals and train passengers.
