Tragic collision underscores rising elephant-train conflicts
A tragic incident occurred near the city of Minneriya in the northeast of Sri Lanka. Two wild elephants were killed in a collision with a train carrying fuel, while a third was injured.
21 October 2024 14:26
"When the elephants stepped onto the tracks, we were 10 metres away," said the train engineer. "So there was nothing we could do. We applied the brakes to the maximum, but we could do very little," he added.
Elephant drama
The tragic accident happened on Friday, October 18th, when a herd on the move tried to cross the railway tracks. Two tankers carrying gasoline derailed. Two elephants died, and a third was injured. Its injuries were treated, and the animal was released back to its herd.
Fortunately, the entire train crew emerged from the collision unharmed.
National park in Sri Lanka
The elephants came from Minneriya National Park, which attracts thousands of tourists each year who wish to see these large animals in their natural habitat.
In recent years, the number of elephant collisions with trains has increased in Sri Lanka, as herds, whose natural habitats are being degraded or taken over by farmers, try to find food and water. According to government statistics, this year seven elephants have lost their lives after being hit by trains, while in 2023, as many as 24 elephants died.
Minneriya National Park is an important habitat not only for elephants but also for two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka: the purple-faced langur and the toque macaque. Rare and endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and the sloth bear also reside in Minneriya.
