Train strikes elephants in Sri Lanka, causing tragic derailment

In the northeast region of Sri Lanka, a tragic incident occurred when a train struck a herd of wild elephants in Minneriya, resulting in the deaths of two elephants and injuring another. The collision happened approximately 200 kilometers from Colombo, in an area known for its national park that attracts many wildlife enthusiasts. Witnesses reported seeing elephants down on the tracks, with the train unable to stop in time despite maximum braking efforts. The impact derailed two of the train's eight fuel tankers, leading to significant leakage and damage to the railway infrastructure, which necessitated the suspension of train services in that area. The driver and other railway personnel on the train were fortunately unharmed, but the local wildlife department confirmed the severity of the situation, with the two deceased elephants being reported at the scene. The injured elephant was treated and later returned to its herd. This incident is notably part of a concerning trend in Sri Lanka, where increasing elephant-train collisions have been reported due to habitat loss, pushing elephants closer to human settlements and railway tracks in search of food and water. The nation's elephant population, revered in Sri Lankan culture, has been diminishing significantly over the years, contributing to these fatal incidents on the railway. Authorities report that seven elephants have died from train-related collisions this year alone, a worrying statistic that reflects the urgent need for measures to protect both the endangered species and railway operations in the region.