Tragic Train Accident Claims Lives of Six Elephants in Sri Lanka

In a tragic incident early Thursday, six elephants were killed when a train struck them near a wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka, highlighting the ongoing dangers posed by human-animal encounters in the country.

In the early hours of Thursday, a passenger train derailed after colliding with a herd of elephants near a wildlife reserve in the central region of Sri Lanka, resulting in the deaths of six elephants. While there were no reported injuries among passengers, two elephants sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment, as confirmed by police. This incident has been described as one of the most significant wildlife tragedies in recent memory within the country, according to AFP.

Unfortunately, train collisions with elephants are not a rare occurrence in Sri Lanka, which has one of the highest rates of human-elephant conflict in the world. In fact, last year alone, over 170 humans and almost 500 elephants lost their lives due to these encounters. Approximately 20 elephants are estimated to be struck and killed by trains annually, as reported by local media outlets.

The natural habitats of elephants have been severely impacted by deforestation and dwindling resources, compelling these majestic creatures to encroach upon human settlements. Advocacy groups have called for greater caution among train operators, urging them to reduce speed and sound their horns to alert nearby wildlife on the tracks.

In the past, similar incidents have also been reported; in 2018, a pregnant elephant and her two calves were killed near Habarana when they were hit by a train while trying to cross the tracks. Just last October, a train struck another herd in Minneriya, killing two elephants and injuring one.

Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 7,000 wild elephants, and these creatures are cherished by the nation's Buddhist majority. The protection of elephants is taken seriously in Sri Lanka, where harming them can result in imprisonment or hefty fines.