Hyderabad: Around 300 sheep were killed in a Yadadri train accident near Kondamadugu after a flock strayed onto railway tracks late on Monday night. The incident occurred between Bibinagar and Ghatkesar railway stations in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district.
According to police and local residents, the sheep belonged to Kishtayya, a resident of Alinagar in Pochampally mandal. Kishtayya had been bringing his sheep to the Bibinagar area for monsoon grazing for the past few years. This year, he brought the flock to the Kondamadugu Mettu area.
After grazing on Monday, he kept the sheep in enclosures beside the railway tracks. Around midnight, nearly 600 sheep reportedly became frightened by dogs and wild boars. The flock then strayed onto the railway tracks.
Yadadri train accident causes Rs 20 lakh loss
At the same time, the Dakshin Express passed through the area and ran over the flock. Around 300 sheep died on the spot in the Yadadri train accident. Kishtayya suffered an estimated loss of nearly Rs 20 lakh. The sheep were his main source of livelihood.
Government Whip and Alair MLA Beerla Ilaiah later visited the accident site after learning about the incident. He enquired about the circumstances surrounding the accident and consoled Kishtayya. The MLA also assured him of support.
Later, Ilaiah spoke by phone with Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district in-charge Collector Bhaskar Rao. He asked the official to take steps to provide relief and assistance to the affected shepherd.