A train accident in Sri Lanka killed six elephants near a wildlife sanctuary early Thursday. The collision, which occurred in Habarana, east of Colombo, also caused a train derailment. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A train accident in Sri Lanka killed six elephants near a wildlife sanctuary early Thursday. The collision, which occurred in Habarana, east of Colombo, also caused a train derailment.
It is not uncommon for trains to run into herds of elephants in Sri Lanka

Passengers escaped unharmed, but six elephants died at the scene due to the impact. Two others sustained injuries and received urgent medical attention from wildlife specialists.

Human-Elephant Conflicts in Sri Lanka

Authorities described this as Sri Lanka’s worst elephant-train accident in recent years. Such incidents are frequent, as the country faces increasing conflicts between humans and elephants.

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Sri Lanka records some of the highest global casualties from human-elephant encounters. Reports indicate over 170 people and nearly 500 elephants died in such conflicts last year.

Approximately 20 elephants lose their lives annually due to train collisions, according to local sources. Deforestation and shrinking habitats force these animals into human-populated areas.

Preventing Train Accidents Involving Elephants

Environmentalists urge train operators to slow down and use horns when approaching wildlife zones. Implementing these safety measures could prevent further tragedies involving elephants.

A similar accident in 2018 killed a pregnant elephant and two calves in Habarana. The three were part of a herd crossing the railway tracks at dawn when struck.

Another fatal train collision happened last October in Minneriya, 25 kilometers from Habarana. That incident led to the deaths of two elephants and severe injuries to another.

Sri Lanka is home to around 7,000 wild elephants, protected by law due to their cultural significance. Killing an elephant is illegal and punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Source: www.bbc.com

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