AnyTV News 6 elephants died due to train collision in Sri Lanka, Wildlife Department started investigation

Image Source: AP
The train collided with a herd of elephants in Sri Lanka.

Colombo: A passenger train collided with a herd of elephants near a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. At least six elephants have died due to the collision of the train. An official has given information about the incident. Government Wildlife Department spokesman Hasini Sarathchandra said that four children and two adult elephants were killed in a collision near Minarneria, about 200 km from the capital Colombo. This area is famous for its natural parks and wildlife.

Train coaches derailed

After the collision in photographs shown on local television channels, the train engine and several coaches were derailed. A railway official said on the condition of anonymity that no passenger was injured in the accident. Sarathchandra said that the Wildlife Department has started investigating the incident.

Thousands of tourists come every year

Every year thousands of tourists come to the Minaprian National Park to see elephants to their wild residence. It is part of the ‘elephant corridor’ which connects Kauudullah and Vasagamuva national udivanas. Wildlife experts and local administration are constantly appealing to train drivers to reduce the speed of the train while passing through forests and elephants and warns elephants by playing horn. Despite this, such accidents happen.

Image Source: AP

The train collided with a herd of elephants in Sri Lanka.

Incidents have increased in recent times

In recent years, the incidents of elephants collision with elephants in Sri Lanka have increased as wild elephants try to cross the railway track in search of food and water. Elephants in Sri Lanka have special legal protection. There are about 7,000 wild elephants in the country, which the Buddhist community there consider to be revered. Killing an elephant in Sri Lanka is a crime, for which there is a provision of jail or heavy fine.