Dhenkanal: A female elephant died after reportedly being hit by a freight train near Barada level crossing under Sadar police limits in Odisha's Dhenkanal district today.

The incident took place around 7.30 PM while a herd of elephants was crossing the railway tracks.

On being informed, Forest Department officials reached the spot and initiated investigation.

It may be recalled here that last year in November, a female elephant was knocked to death by a train near Ramachandrapur under Sadar Forest Range in Keonjhar district.