A Sri Lankan passenger train derailed early Thursday morning after colliding with a herd of elephants near a wildlife reserve at Habarana, approximately 180 kilometers east of Colombo. The accident resulted in the death of six elephants, marking the worst such wildlife incident on the island. Fortunately, no passengers were injured in the derailment, according to police reports.
"The train derailed, but there were no casualties among the passengers," – police
The train, traveling before dawn, struck the elephants as they were crossing the tracks. Of the elephants involved, two survived and are currently receiving treatment from wildlife authorities. This incident echoes a similar tragedy in September 2018 when a train killed two baby elephants and their pregnant mother in the same vicinity.
The government has expressed mounting concern over the escalating conflict between humans and elephants. The ancient habitats of these majestic creatures are increasingly threatened by human encroachment, leading to more frequent encounters. In Sri Lanka, harming or killing elephants is a criminal offence, reflecting their revered status as a national treasure and their cultural significance in Buddhism.
Efforts are underway to mitigate these tragic encounters. As Jayakody stated:
"We are planning to introduce multiple barriers – these may include electric fences, trenches, or other deterrents – to make it more difficult for wild elephants to stray into villages."
Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, which are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The government’s initiatives aim to preserve this vital part of the nation's biodiversity while ensuring public safety.
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