COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A tragic incident occurred when a passenger train collided with a herd of elephants near a wildlife sanctuary, resulting in the deaths of six elephants, as reported on Thursday.
The accident took place near Minneriya, situated approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. This region is famous for its Minneriya National Park, known for its abundant wildlife, especially elephants, highlighted by Hasini Sarathchandra, a spokesperson for the government’s wildlife department.
After the collision, local news broadcasts revealed that the train’s engine and several of its cars derailed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers, according to a railway official who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
Sarathchandra noted that an investigation by the wildlife department is currently underway to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Every year, thousands of tourists flock to Minneriya National Park, hoping to spot elephants in their natural setting. This park is a crucial part of the “elephant corridor,” which links Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks.
Unfortunately, there has been a worrying increase in train accidents involving elephants in Sri Lanka in recent years. The elephants often try to cross railway tracks in search of food and water, a reflection of their growing vulnerability due to habitat loss and degradation. Consequently, they are seeking food closer to human populations. Additionally, many face risks from poachers or are harmed by farmers protecting their crops from elephant damage.
Government records indicate a concerning trend, with nine elephants being killed in 2024 after train strikes, down from 24 in the previous year, 2023.
While elephants hold a special place in the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka, they are recognized as an endangered species. Their population has drastically declined from an estimated 14,000 during the 19th century to approximately 6,000 as per the country’s first elephant census conducted in 2011.
