Hitting an animal when driving can be tough, but this....

[bookworm_020]

I'm a train driver, the only thing i've hit is a bird, but this wouldn't be pleasant!:o

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/train-kills-seven-elephants-protecting-calves-on-railway-track-in-india/story-e6frg6so-1225928771001

[CaptainMattJ.]

well, it takes like a mile to stop a train or so ive heard. its sorta funny how they were protecting the calves and just got creamed by a train. and that of all the things you cream a herd of elephants and some calfs. it isnt as sad as if a basket of puppies got creamed, but it is a little sad that a majestic creaature was brutaly killed by a speeding train. Also a little ironic, as these elephants weigh as much as a car and they faced the few everyday things that was heavier then they were, speeding at them. Mustve been an insane number of newtons, though.

[bookworm_020]

well, it takes like a mile to stop a train or so ive heard.

That's about right for a train going at 100km/h, longer if your on a downhill slope and/or in the wet.

[Reece]

65km/h though isn't that fast! wonder if they meant mp/h!:hmmm:

[FIREWALL]

The train involved in the incident was travelling at about 65km/h - nearly twice the speed limit.

[HunterICX]

Very sad :nope:

HunterICX

[Biggles]

What happened to the driver? I assume the train hit the elephants from the front, and surely that could pose quite a threat to the drivers life?

[SteamWake]

What happened to the driver? I assume the train hit the elephants from the front, and surely that could pose quite a threat to the drivers life?

Compare the mass of the two Train vs Elephant... you have your answer. Sure an elephant is big maybe thousands of pounds. It may have tossed the driver out of his throne but it aint like slamming into a brick wall in your prious.

[Oberon]

Don't always be so sure Steamwake.

http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/eventimages/event150.jpg

This was caused by a train hitting a cow, the cow got lodged under the front bogie of the leading carriage and derailed the train, thirteen died.

Although, to be fair, and in concession to your point, it wasn't a locomotive at the front but a DBSO:

http://www.dyserth-road.co.uk/Visitors%20Stock/Visitors%20Stock%20Images/Scotrail-DBSO.jpg

Which is significantly lighter than a locomotive, but I must admit, I would not have liked to have been the driver in this incident.
A tragedy, elephants are very protective creatures and they would never have abandoned the calves.