The Sri Lankan police reported that a passenger train derailed today after unexpectedly colliding with a herd of elephants. While no passengers were injured, the incident resulted in the deaths of six elephants, marking the most severe wildlife accident in Sri Lanka's history.
According to AFP, the express train was traveling near a wildlife sanctuary in Habarana, located approximately 180 kilometers east of the capital Colombo, when it struck the elephants that were crossing the tracks just before dawn. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that two other elephants injured in the collision are currently receiving medical treatment.
Videos captured at the scene showed a young elephant lying beside the tracks while another adult elephant stood protectively nearby, touching trunks as if to guard the injured animal. Elephants hold significant cultural importance in Sri Lanka, being regarded as national treasures due to their association with Buddhism. The country is home to an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, and harming or killing them is considered a criminal offense.
This tragic event follows a similar incident in September 2018 when two calves and a pregnant elephant were killed by a train in the same region. Local reports indicate that approximately 20 elephants are killed by trains each year as their habitats continue to shrink due to deforestation and human encroachment. Advocates are urging train operators to reduce speeds and use horns to alert animals on the tracks to prevent such accidents.
The ongoing conflict between wildlife and human activities poses a significant challenge for conservation efforts in Sri Lanka, highlighting the urgent need for measures to protect both elephants and human lives.
