Did You Know a Train in Perak Was Once Derailed by an Elephant Seeking Justice in 1894

But this wasn’t the first time such a tragedy occurred in the country. In fact, a remarkably similar case was recorded 131 years ago.

On September 17, 1894, in Teluk Anson (now known as Teluk Intan), a steam train collided with a herd of elephants.

The steam train, consisting of three carriages and operated by Perak Railways, was reportedly en route from Tapah Road to Teluk Anson. Onboard were numerous passengers, including merchants and mining foremen who had just completed inspections of mining areas in the state.

As the train approached the area, the English driver was stunned to see a group of elephants standing defiantly on the tracks.

According to villagers who witnessed the event, many believed the “attack” was led by a large male elephant—thought to be the leader of the herd.

There’s a saying that elephants never forget, and in this case, it might have been true. Reports suggest the male elephant went on a rampage in revenge for a baby elephant that had previously died after being struck by a train in the same area.

The male elephant’s assault was so intense that the train was derailed, and the carriages were severely damaged. Tragically, two Indian railway workers sustained serious injuries and later succumbed to them.

The male elephant also died at the scene due to the force of the impact.

Miraculously, the other passengers escaped unharmed. However, they were forced to walk nearly 4.8 kilometers to reach the Teluk Anson Railway Station.

A memorial to remember

To commemorate the extraordinary event, British Railways erected a memorial near the site. The engraved sign reads:

“Here lies buried a wild elephant, who in defence of his herd charged and derailed a train on the 17th day of September 1894.”

According to The Vibes, the skull and two tusks of the male elephant are now preserved and displayed at the Perak Museum in Taiping. Its thigh bone—measuring about a metre long—is exhibited at the mini concourse of the Johor Bahru KTMB Museum.