Colombo, Sri Lanka (AP) – A passenger train struck a herd of elephants near a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, killing six of the animals, including four calves, officials said Thursday.
The tragic collision occurred near Minneriya, a well-known wildlife hotspot about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Colombo. The Minneriya National Park is famous for its thriving elephant population and attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Details of the Incident
According to Hasini Sarathchandra, a spokesperson for the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the accident resulted in the derailment of the train’s engine and several compartments. However, no passengers were injured, a railway official confirmed, though he declined to be named as he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The wildlife department has launched an investigation into the incident.
Growing Threats to Sri Lanka’s Elephant Population
Minneriya National Park is part of the “elephant corridor”, a vital route connecting Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa National Parks, allowing elephants to migrate between habitats. However, increasing habitat loss and human encroachment have pushed elephants closer to human settlements and transport routes in search of food and water, making them vulnerable to accidents.
Rising train collisions have become a growing concern in Sri Lanka. According to government statistics, nine elephants have been killed by trains so far in 2024, following 24 deaths in 2023. Besides train accidents, elephants also face threats from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat destruction.
Although elephants hold a sacred status in Sri Lanka’s culture, their population has declined drastically over the years. The first official elephant census in 2011 estimated 6,000 elephants remained in the country, a sharp drop from 14,000 in the 19th century.
With increasing human-elephant conflicts and ongoing habitat degradation, conservationists are calling for urgent measures to protect these majestic animals before their numbers dwindle further.
