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A person warned of reindeer along the train track at the Meråkerbanen yesterday evening, but the location was vague, and the train still drove into the reindeer herd, writes Trønder-Avisa.
– Reindeer being hit in winter on the Rørosbanen, Meråkerbanen or Nordlandsbanen over Saltfjellet happens from time to time. Collisions on this scale fortunately rarely occur. It is incredibly tragic, says press guard Harry Korslund in Bane Nor to Dagbladet.
DEADLY COLLISION: Around 30 reindeer may have lost their lives at the Meråkerbanen yesterday. Photo: Odd Arnfinn Pedersen Show more
Odd Arnfinn Pedersen was only a kilometer away from the scene when he heard about the animal tragedy.
– There were dead reindeer on both sides of the track, and remains of reindeer lying around. The sight was terrible, says Pedersen to Dagbladet
ATTACK: This is the first time ever that this act between a polar bear and a reindeer has been filmed. view more
Was notified
A private person notified Bane Nor yesterday that there were reindeer on the train line in the area.
Nevertheless, the train was traveling at normal speed when on two occasions it ran into reindeer along the train line.
– When we received the message, we implemented a “rein message”, which means that the train reduces its speed to 40 km/h on a given section. The problem was that there was uncertainty about where the reindeer was, says Korslund.
Thus, the train first hit five or six animals, before several kilometers later it ran into between 20 and 30 reindeer.
– We would have liked a more precise indication of where the reindeer was. We tried but were unsuccessful in getting hold of the reindeer owners yesterday. They usually know where the animals are, explains Korslund.
TERRIBLE SIGHT: It is rare for so many reindeer to be hit by a train. Photo: Odd Arnfinn Pedersen Show more
Cleanup underway
It was only after the terrible animal tragedy that Bane Nor came into contact with the reindeer owners, who are now participating in the clean-up work.
– Crews and machines are being driven out today to remove animals lying next to the track, says Korslund.
Bane Nor has no record of how many animals were killed in collisions with the train and how many were seriously injured.
– From experience, we know that some animals die instantly when they meet a train, while others are injured and have to be put down, says Korslund.
Bane Nor is participating in the clean-up work.
– It is important to clear the track quickly. Dead animals can attract predators. The clean-up began last night and continues today. Crews from Bane Nor will clear the area this morning, says Korslund to Trønder-Avisa.
2023-12-30 11:58:15
#Remains #reindeer
