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Train crashes with herd of elephants in Sri Lanka – six elephants dead
A train accident in Sri Lanka resulted in the deaths of at least six elephants when a herd ran over the tracks. An injured elephant and her calf receive veterinary attention.
Train crashes with herd of elephants in Sri Lanka – six elephants dead
A tragic incident occurred in Sri Lanka on Wednesday evening when a train collided with a herd of elephants, killing at least six animals, reported Sri Lanka Police Department.
Injured animals and quick reactions
Although no passengers were injured, an injured female elephant and a calf are being treated by wildlife veterinary officials in the town of Giritale, the state-run Daily News reported on Thursday. The Meenagaya train encountered the herd around 11:30 pm when it reached the 140 km point between Minneriya and Galoya stations.
Coordination of rescue efforts
According to a statement from the Department of Wildlife Protection, officials from the railway company, the police and the wildlife department worked together quickly to manage the situation at the accident site. Further investigations are underway to clarify the exact circumstances of the incident.
The importance of elephants in Sri Lanka
Again World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reports that Sri Lanka's elephants are the largest and darkest representatives of the Asian elephant species. Their herds typically consist of 12 to 20 animals, with the oldest elephant leading the group. Elephants are an attractive tourist attraction and have both symbolic and economic importance to Sri Lanka. But coexistence with humans remains a challenge as their habitats are threatened by human infrastructure and agricultural land.
Previous incidents and their consequences
Similar incidents have occurred before. The Associated Press reported that at least two elephants died in October when a train carrying thousands of liters of fuel hit a herd in northwestern Sri Lanka in the town of Minneriya, about 200 km from the capital Colombo.
The attractiveness of Minneriya National Park
The Minneriya National Park is known for having the largest gathered group of Asian elephants in the world and attracts numerous tourists, according to the park's website. The herd of nearly 20 elephants suddenly tried to cross the train tracks, according to the train driver who spoke to the Associated Press. "There was about 10 meters between us. We couldn't do anything. We applied the brakes to the maximum, but there wasn't much. At least four elephants were hit," explained driver N.W. Jayalath told the Associated Press.