Colombo: A tragic incident occurred early Thursday when a passenger train derailed after colliding with a family of elephants near Habarana, approximately 180 kilometers east of the capital city, Colombo. While no passengers were injured, the collision resulted in the death of six elephants, marking one of the worst wildlife accidents of its kind in Sri Lanka, according to Channel News Asia.

Eyewitness accounts and videos captured after the incident showed a grieving elephant protecting a wounded calf beside the tracks, their trunks intertwined. Authorities noted that two other elephants injured in the crash are currently receiving medical attention. Killing or harming elephants in Sri Lanka, where less than 7,000 remain, is illegal due to the cultural significance of these creatures, especially within Buddhism. Historically, this region has seen similar incidents; tragically, a pregnant elephant and her two calves were killed in a comparable accident back in September 2018.

The growing conflict between humans and elephants has become a significant concern, as natural habitats have been compromised by deforestation and human encroachment. In 2023 alone, over 150 people and approximately 450 elephants died in confrontations, reflecting a troubling trend as both species vie for space in an increasingly crowded environment. Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated plans to enhance safety measures, which include the introduction of electric fences and other deterrents to keep elephants away from human settlements.

Passengers are urged to be vigilant, as it remains common for trains to encounter elephants on their tracks, prompting discussions on whether train speeds should be reduced and alerts signaled through horn sounds to mitigate future incidents. For more information, visit Le Monde or BBC.