Tragic Train Collision Highlights Elephant Vulnerability in Sri Lanka

A passenger train struck a herd of elephants near Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka, killing six elephants. The incident reflects increasing conflicts between wildlife and rail, driven by habitat loss. An investigation is underway as concerns about elephant safety and conservation continue to grow.

In a tragic incident underscoring the delicate balance between wildlife and modernization, a passenger train collided with a herd of elephants near Sri Lanka's renowned Minneriya National Park, resulting in the death of six elephants.

The collision, which involved four baby elephants and two adults, occurred approximately 200 kilometers from the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. Following the incident, the train derailed, though no passengers were reported injured. The government's wildlife department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This collision highlights a growing trend in Sri Lanka, where train accidents involving elephants have escalated as their natural habitats face increasing degradation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by conservationists in protecting one of the nation's most revered but endangered animals.

(With inputs from agencies.)