Amreli, 22 January 2014

Two lionesses hit by a goods train died today morning just outside the Pipavav port gate.

The incident occurred at railway track km 16/5 to 16/6 – 338 meter away from Bherai-Bhachadar railway crossing no 13 at 5.45 am when a goods train with cargo was coming towards Pipavav port. One lioness was 7 years old while other was 3 years old. The area is known as Brihad Gir area, and it falls in revenue land(not forest land).

According to locals, a group of five lions/lionesses was standing on two sides of railway track. While two lionesses were on one side, three lions were standing on the other side.

When good train was coming, two lionesses tried to cross the track. Hit by train they died immediately.

This made three lions angry and they rushed to Bherai village farm through a gate.

Forest department team and local police closed the gate to prevent any attack on villagers by angry lions.

According to locals, the area has permanent presence of a group of lions. Everyday two to three trains with heavy cargo passe through this area. Occasionally such trains hit lions.