High speed train hits migratory birds in Turkey's Eskişehir

ESKİŞEHİR – Doğan News Agency

The front window of a high speed train was filled with blood, and was taken for maintenance after crossing paths with the birds. DHA photo

A migratory bird flight crossed paths with a high speed train heading from Ankara to Eskişehir today, killing many birds and damaging the train. 

The front window of the train was filled with bird blood, and it has been taken for maintenance after the clash with birds.

Officials said high speed trains, which reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, “sometimes” hit bird flights.

“These [accidents] are decreasing now, because the birds are getting used to the high speed trains and have started to change their migration paths. Nevertheless, migratory birds are still hitting trains,” said an official from the Turkish State Railways (TCDD).

The official also stated that high speed trains would not be decreasing their speed for the birds. “They will not lower their speed of 250 km/h because of the bird flights. Birds will get used to the trains and change their paths accordingly in time,” the official added.