Bhubaneswar, July 30: The elephant, which died after being hit by a train in Sundargah district on July 28 night, met with the accident as the herd had lost its way in the jungle, said forest officials.

After returning from from spot verification, Sundargarh divisional forest officer A.K. Mishra said: "The herd had lost its way in the jungle and strayed away from the usual route."

The deceased elephant, a nine-year-old female, was hit on its back by the speeding train. The herd, which was chased by villagers from the other side of Jharsuguda district on July 28 night, had entered Sundargarh district.

"As the herd was new to this area, it never knew where to go and lost its way," he said.

Around 12.30am, the herd with 19 elephants got divided and the victim elephant was in the smaller group of nine.

"Being aware of the herd's movement, the loco pilot was driving the train in a controlled speed. Eight members of the herd had managed to cross the tracks. But this female jumbo was hit on the back of its hind leg and thrown away. It later died," said the forest officer.

Mishra said he had informed the railway authorities to be cautious on the Mumbai-Howrah route.

The forest department has managed to drive the elephants away and is keeping a close watch on the herd's movement.