A passenger train derailed on Thursday after colliding with a herd of elephants near Habarana, about 180 kilometers east of Colombo. While no passengers were injured, six elephants, including three calves, were killed in what authorities are calling the country’s worst wildlife-train accident.
Videos from the scene showed a heartbreaking sight—one adult elephant standing protectively over an injured calf lying near the tracks, their trunks intertwined.
Government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the fatalities and acknowledged the growing concern over such incidents. “While train collisions with elephants are not uncommon, this case has drawn particular attention due to the number of animals killed,” he said.
Two other elephants sustained serious injuries, and authorities are now looking into ways to prevent future accidents. “The current measures, including speed limits in high-risk areas, have clearly failed,” Jayatissa added.
Sri Lanka is home to approximately 7,000 wild elephants, which hold cultural and religious significance in the country. Killing or harming these animals is a criminal offense.
This latest tragedy comes amid rising human-elephant conflict due to habitat encroachment. Officials report that in 2023 alone, 150 people and 450 elephants died in such clashes. Plans are underway to introduce new deterrents, including electric fences and trenches, to protect both humans and wildlife.
Asian elephants, classified as endangered, are known for their strong emotional bonds. Studies suggest they mourn their dead in ways similar to human funeral rituals.
This is not the first such tragedy in Sri Lanka. In previous years, similar accidents have claimed the lives of elephant families, despite government efforts to curb the problem.